By Bogdan Kochubey

KYIV (Reuters). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zeleskiy stated that he traveled to Lysychansk, Soledar and Soledar on Sunday. These cities are very near to the scene of intense fighting between Russian troops and Ukrainian forces.

Lysychansk, the besieged city just south of Sievierodonetsk where one of war’s most important ground battles takes place, is just a few kilometers from Sievierodonetsk. Ukraine is claiming to have retaken more of it.

“I was with (my) head office in the east. “We were in Lysychansk, Soledar,” Zelenskiy stated in his nightly video address. He did not give any details. [L1N2XS0IM]

Zelenskiy is seen in two videos later talking with troops inside bunker-like structures. He presents them awards while addressing the others.

Victory is what you deserve, that’s the best thing. Zelenskiy spoke in one of the videos, “But not at all cost.”

Reuters couldn’t immediately confirm whether the videos had been recorded in Lysychansk, or Soledar.

These rare Zelenskiy outings outside Kyiv were made on Sunday. They could have been the closest yet to the frontline since the Russian invasion of February 24, 2002.

Lysychansk is located in Luhansk while Sievierodonetsk can be found in Donetsk. Soledar, however, can be found in Donetsk. The Donbas region is Ukraine’s industrial heartland. Russia asserts that Russia has a mission “liberate” both regions.

Ukraine claims it fights for its survival against Russian-style imperial land grabs. Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to achieve his goals in East Russia, say observers.

ZAPORIZHZHIA

Zelenskiy stated earlier on Sunday that he visited troops fighting in Zaporizhzhia’s southeastern region. The governor claimed that Russian forces have taken 60% of Zaporizhzhia.

Zelenskiy said, “I want you to thank for your great work and for your service for protecting all of us. Our state,” adding that he had a minute silence for the fallen soldiers.

Zelenskiy later stated in his office that the president had also visited the regional hospital and spoken with residents who were forced from their homes.

He also promised to act in order for all those who were displaced to be properly accommodated.

According to the White House, he said that “we will really help you address this issue.”