ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the eastern Kharkiv region on Thursday where he held talks in the regional capital and the front-line city of Kupiansk. 

“The advanced command post of the defenders of Kupiansk. It is an honor to visit and reward soldiers. Fighters in the Kupiansk direction protect the peaceful life of Ukrainians - the people of Kharkiv region. I thank the soldiers for their service, for protecting our country! I wish you victory, be strong and do not lose the initiative,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

A statement by the presidency said Zelenskyy, along with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, listened to a report by Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and local commanders.

It said Zelenskyy and Umerov were informed about the operational situation in Syrskyi’s area of responsibility.

“The plan for further actions of the military units was clarified, in particular, the defense of the Kupiansk – Lyman line,” it said.

The statement said the most vital needs of troops were discussed, namely electronic warfare equipment, drones, protection against Russian drones and the construction of fortifications.

In a later statement on Telegram, Zelenskyy announced a visit to Kharkiv, where he talked to schoolchildren studying at a local metro station because of possible Russian shelling in the city.

“Thank you teachers for the fact that the war did not stop you and you continue to bring knowledge to our children. Thank you to our children for their optimism and love for Ukraine. Taking care of each other, staying strong, united, not losing faith in Ukraine - all this is very important for the future of our country,” said Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy also held telephone conversations with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz amid his regional visit.