Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, where fighting between Ukraine’s military and Russian forces is ongoing. Zelensky announced the visit on his Telegram channel.
“Today - the Kupyansk axis, our warriors who are achieving results for Ukraine here. Many Russians have been talking about Kupyansk — we see it. I was here, I congratulated the guys. Thanks to every unit,” Zelensky said, as explosions could be heard in the background.
He stressed that it is extremely important to achieve results at the front now so that Ukraine can achieve results in diplomacy.
“That’s exactly how it works: all our strong positions inside the country are strong positions in the conversation about ending the war. Thank you to every warrior! I am proud of you! Thank you to all our Ground Forces - today is your day. Thank you, guys,” the President added.
Earlier Friday, Ukraine’s army reported gains in the battles for Kupyansk and its outskirts. More than 200 Russian troops have been encircled in the city.
In October, Putin claimed Russian forces had taken control of two-thirds of Kupyansk. And in November, Russia’s top general, Valery Gerasimov, reported to Putin that Kupyansk had already been “liberated.”
