Zelensky visits Ukraine troops on southeastern front

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that he had visited troops on the southeastern front line, where Kyiv has claimed recent gains against Russian forces.

Zelensky said on social media that he was working on the front line in the Oleksandrivsky sector with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapaty. During the visit, he presented medals to soldiers.

He also met commanders to discuss drone and artillery supplies, as well as AWOL issues, training and the motivation of Ukrainian troops.

Ukraine said earlier this month that it had retaken around 26 villages in an area spanning three eastern and southern regions. AFP could not independently verify the claim.

Ukraine has been fighting Russia for four-and-a-half years. Its army has faced desertions and problems with conscription, while the front has become dominated by drones that make rapid troop movements difficult.

Russia occupies almost one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea and areas of the Donbas that were already under pro-Russian separatist control before Moscow invaded in February 2022.