Ukraine's president pays visit to Izyum, city regained from Russian forces

By Mustafa Deveci

IZYUM, Ukraine (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Kharkiv area in the city of Izyum on Wednesday after the country retook the city from Russian forces.

Prior to Zelenskyy's visit, Ukrainian forces increased security in Izyum.

Zelenskyy, who visited the city, took part in the hoisting of the Ukrainian flag in front of the Izyum City Council building.

In response to press queries following the ceremony, he addressed the citizens of Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

"My message (to the citizens of Crimea) is that we will arrive," Zelenskyy noted, saying that the residents of Crimea had been facing a big sorrow for the past eight years, while Kyiv was not concerned about the propaganda broadcast on Russian televisions.

"We are confident that the truth is on our side. ... We will come to Crimea. I'm not sure when. Nobody knows, but we have plans and will arrive. Because they are our people and our land," he said.

Zelenskyy then posed for photos with the troops along with residents of Izyum.