Ukraine’s Zelensky arrives in frontline city of Bakhmut, hands out military awards

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has paid a visit to Bakhmut, Donetsk region, one of the epicentres of fighting between Kyiv and Moscow, FREEDOM TV channel reports, Zelensky’s spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov confirmed the report.

According to the spokesperson, the Ukrainian leader has likely already left the city.

“I think that Bakhmut heroes should receive the same as everyone else. I wish that their kids and families were well and had heating and health. I want to wish that they had light as well but the situation is so complicated, the light goes on and off. The main thing is that you have light inside,” FREEDOM quotes Zelensky as saying.

Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar noted that military personnel were awarded medals, adding that the war had been going on for 300 days now.

“Bakhmut is Ukraine’s east stronghold. These are our defenders of Bakhmut. They are holding Bakhmut so tightly that the enemy cannot capture it,” she wrote.

Bakhmut has been embroiled in fierce fighting where both Russia and Ukraine have been suffering major losses in the last several weeks, The New York Times reported. According to the newspaper, Moscow continues to send PMC Wagner mercenaries to the battleground zone, while they are also backed there by the forces redeployed from the Kherson frontline.

In early December, Zelensky visited Slovyansk, Donetsk region. In an address to the Ukrainian soldiers he told them that he celebrates Army Day, 6 December, on the frontline.