The trip is Zelensky’s first appearance outside Kyiv since Russia invaded the country in February, the Reuters news agency reported.
“Kharkiv Region. The frontline positions of our military. I am endlessly proud of our defenders. Every day, risking their lives, they fight for Ukraine’s freedom,” Zelensky wrote in a statement.
He also presented state awards, commendations and gifts to the Ukrainian troops.
A handout photo made available by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarding Ukrainian servicemen during his visit to the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, 29 May 2022, amid the Russian invasion.
According to the Ukrinform news agency, which cited the Office of the President of Ukraine, Zelensky checked the operational situation in the area of responsibility of relevant units.
Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, stated that the president had also visited Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv, Reuters reported.
According to Yermak, Zelensky toured Kharkiv’s destroyed residential buildings.
A handout photo made available by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, 29 May 2022.
Reuters cited Yermak as saying that 31% of Kharkiv region's territory was currently occupied by Russia, with a further 5% having been taken back by Ukraine.
Ukrinform reported that six civilians were injured in Russia’s shelling of Kharkiv Region on Saturday, a day before Zelensky’s visit.
(jh)
Source: Ukrinform, Reuters