Russian forces are continuing their attacks on Ukrainian cities amid mounting causalities. The Ukrainian president is once again appealing for international help.

The Russian troops have bombarded neighborhoods around Kyiv.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko says the people are ready to fight, adding that what the Russians are doing to Ukrainian civilians is an international criminal case.

The Kyiv mayor imposed a 35-hour curfew and urged all residents to find safe shelter.

Doctors and students in a makeshift hospital set up in a bomb shelter are doing what they can to provide emergency care.

The fighting has now claimed the lives of two more journalists. They were working with the American Fox News network when their vehicle came under fire just outside the capital.

As the Russians continue to push forward, NATO says it is watching.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, "When we see more military activities, when we see actually fighting going on close to NATO borders, there's always a risk for incidents and accidents."

Stoltenberg added that the alliance will meet next week in Brussels.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long pushed for entry into NATO -- something Russia vehemently opposes.

On Tuesday, he admitted the bid was unrealistic. Zelenskyy said, "It's clear that Ukraine is not a member of NATO. We have heard for years about open doors, but we have already heard that we won't be able to join it. It's the truth and necessary to admit it."

But Zelenskyy said NATO needs to declare a no-fly zone to protect his citizens, 3 million of whom have so far been forced to flee and seek refuge in neighboring countries.

The leaders of three Central European nations -- Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia -- traveled to Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy and show their support.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that the European Union has to quickly grant Ukraine candidate status and invite it to join.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said, "The main message of our mission is to say 'you are not alone, our countries stand with you.'"

Zelenskyy called the visit "a powerful testimony of support."

The visit came as Ukrainian and Russian negotiators remain deadlocked in talks on a ceasefire. The teams are set to meet again for a third straight day.