(Kyiv) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited his troops on the front line in Donbass, in the east of the country where the war is raging against Russian forces, he announced in a statement. video posted on social media.
Posted at 10:50 p.m.
“We were in Lyssytchansk, we were in Soledar,” said the leader who went to command posts in these localities near Sievierodonetsk, a key city in Moscow’s offensive in the Donbass mining basin.
He also visited Bakhmout, in the south-west of the Donetsk region, and spoke with soldiers, the presidency said.
During his journey, Mr. Zelensky “deeped his knowledge of the operational situation on the defensive front line”, specified the presidency.
“I want to thank you for your great work, for your service, for protecting all of us, our state. I am grateful to everyone,” he told them. ” Take care of yourself ! »
“I’m proud of everyone I’ve met, shaken hands with, communicated with, supported,” Zelensky said in his daily address.
He also specified that he had traveled to Zaporizhia, to meet residents of Mariupol who managed to flee this strategic port on the Sea of Azov almost completely destroyed by Russian bombardments.
“Each family has its own story. Most were without men,” he noted. “One’s husband has gone to war, another’s is in captivity, yet another’s, unfortunately, is dead. A tragedy. No home, no love. But we have to live for the children. True heroes, they are among us”.
Mr. Zelensky had already visited the front lines in May, in the Kharkiv region.
Mr Zelensky’s trip to the battlefield gave him an important overview of military operations and boosted the morale of his frontline troops, former Australian Army General Mick said. Ryan.
It also demonstrated that he had “complete confidence in his army” and served to sharpen the contrast between his leadership style and that of his Russian opponent Vladimir Putin, he added on Twitter.
“I’m pretty sure Putin won’t accept an invitation to visit ill-fed and poorly led – but well-armed – Russian troops in Ukraine at any time,” he said.