
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenksi has made a rare trip outside the capital, Kiev, the presidential office announced.
He visited the frontline positions of the war in the Kharkiv region.
"I want to thank each of you for your service. You risk your life for all of us and our state," the president told troops.
The northeastern city has experienced some of the fiercest fighting since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
In another statement, the Russian Defense Ministry says its missiles have destroyed a large arsenal of Ukrainian army weapons in Kryvyi Rih - the Ukrainian president's hometown.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the Luhansk region has accused Russia of systematically destroying the city of Severodonetsk and killing civilians. Serhiy Haidai said the attacks were ruthless as fierce fighting is underway in the area.
Severodonetsk is the easternmost country in the Donbass region that is still held under control by Ukraine and is currently a key target for Russian forces.
The governor of Luhansk said many civilians in the city had been killed in recent attacks and buildings had been destroyed, including apartment blocks and a cinema.
But he said Russian troops trying to seize a vital route had retreated after the Ukrainian resistance.
Earlier, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the situation remains difficult in the Donbas and Kharkiv regions.



