Zelenskyy visits frontline soldiers in Kharkiv region, inspects infrastructure damage

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday visited Ukrainian troops on front lines during his first visit outside of Kyiv since Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy visited second largest city in rast--Kharkiv, his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, wrote on Telegram app.

Ukrainian president was briefed about operational situation as Russia’s troops me rapid vancement in Eastern Donbass region where fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukraine’s servicemen has been going on for nearly eight years. 

Ukraine’s President during his visit presented state awards and gifts to Ukrainian soldiers, his office said.

“I want to thank each of you for your service. You are risking your life for all of us and our state. Thank you for defending Ukraine’s independence. Take care!” Said president Zelenskyy.

31% of Kharkiv region occupied by Russian forces

Regional military ministrator, Oleh Synyehubov, informed Zelenskyy that 31 percent of Kharkiv region has been occupied by Russian forces. In rrn and eastern districts of Kharkiv city, several homes of civilians were destroyed in shelling. 

"We are t yet able to fully inspect some of liberated settlements, conduct full-fledged demining and begin rebuilding critical infrastructure, as shelling continues. Where we can do it remotely, we do it," Synegubov said on Telegram. 

Ukrainian president took stock of ruined infrastructure in Saltivka district of city. He ted that ir replacements h to be built with vanced repairs that act like a bomb shelters as Russia continued its brutal attacks that razed residential complexes.

Zelenskyy also chaired a high level meeting comprising of regional officials, military leers and Kharkiv mayor to discuss response to dams and plans for reconstructing city. "We have to find funds, credit lines. state must ensure this in terms of guarantees, and leers of cities and regions must find great projects and money," Zelensky said.

As Russia's military retreated towards rth, as many as 2,500 to 5,000 residents returned to Ukraine’s second-largest city to find ir homes reduced to rubbles. Russian forces still continue to launch Gr rockets that has caused more dams to alrey destroyed city and crumbled apartment towers.