Ukrainian president visits frontline positions in eastern Kharkiv region

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday visited the eastern region of the country for the first time since the start of Russia's war on its neighbor.

Zelenskyy shared footage and photos from the frontline positions in the Kharkiv region as he said on Telegram that he is "endlessly proud of our defenders. Every day, risking their lives, they fight for Ukraine’s freedom."

He thanked each and every one of Ukrainian defenders.

At least 2,229 houses were destroyed in Kharkiv and its region, the Ukrainian president said, vowing to restore everything and "rebuild it, fill it with life."

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian national news agency Ukrinform said Zelenskyy presented state awards and valuable gifts to Ukrainian defenders during his visit.

At least 4,031 civilians have been killed and 4,735 injured in Ukraine since Russia’s war on its neighbor started on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates. The true toll is believed to be much higher.

Over 6.7 million people have fled to other countries, while more than 7.7 million have been internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.