(Kiev) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went to the front line with pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country on Monday, at the height of tensions with Russia accused of preparing an invasion of its neighbor.
“I am honored to be with you today, thank you for protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” said the head of state, quoted in a statement, while visiting Ukrainian positions in the Donetsk region.
In images released by the presidency, the head of state, in a camouflage helmet and bulletproof vest, can be seen walking in trenches with soldiers.
“With people like you, we are going to win without fail,” he assured, handing out state decorations and gifts to soldiers on the occasion of the 30e anniversary of the formation of the armed forces of this former Soviet republic.
175,000 Russian soldiers
The visit comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine backed by its Western allies, who accuse the Kremlin of preparing for an imminent invasion of Ukraine.
According to statements by a senior US official at Washington post, Russia is preparing to launch an offensive in early 2022 involving up to 175,000 men.
Moscow has repeatedly denied any bellicose tendency and accused Western countries of increasing “provocations”.
This subject will be at the heart of a long-awaited videoconference interview on Tuesday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Joe Biden.
Ukraine has been torn since 2014 by a war with pro-Russian separatists, of whom the Kremlin is considered the military godfather despite his denials.
The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, began after Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula.