Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has been pictured visiting troops near the frontline of Donetsk in the east of the country.
Mr Zelensky said the situation in the Donbas is “difficult” as Vladimir Putin’s troops continue seeking to advance in the region despite suffering heavy military losses.
In a video posted online from the city of Sloviansk, he called for a moment of silence for all Ukrainian soldiers who have lost their lives in the war.
“The east of Ukraine today is the most difficult front. And I am honoured to be here now with our defending troops in Donbas. I believe that next time we will meet in our Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk and in Crimea as well,” he said.
“From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you on this great holiday, the Day of the Armed Forces,” said Mr Zelensky, who was later shown meeting soldiers and distributing awards.
Sloviansk lies about 28 miles north of Bakhmut, which has become the centre of the fighting since Ukraine recaptured Kherson.
It comes after Russia launched its most vicious barrage of air strikes in months yesterday, raining well over 100 missiles on Ukraine.
Kyiv residents sheltered in the city’s metro as explosions rang out. Lviv, Cherkasy and Zaporizhzhia were also among areas targeted.
Mr Zelensky’s office said three rockets hit his southern hometown Kryvyi Rih, killing a factory worker.
