Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited troops fighting on the country's southeastern front and handed out medals, his office announced Sunday. The visit comes amid growing speculation about the imminent sacking of Ukraine's army chief.
"It is an honor to be here today to support the fighters and reward them. They face a difficult and critical mission to repel the enemy and defend Ukraine," Mr Zelensky told troops in the Zaporizhia region. according to a statement released by his office.
A statement also said Mr Zelensky visited Ukrainian army positions near the village of Robotyne, which is almost on the battle line.
The president's visit comes as questions have been raised over the fate of army chief Valery Zaluzhny.
Two sources said on Friday that the Ukrainian government had informed the White House that it planned to fire the top military commander overseeing the fight against Russian occupation forces.
Doubts about the departure of Mr Zaluzhny, who has clashed with President Zelensky on a range of issues, come after last year's Ukrainian counter-offensive, which failed to retake significant swaths of territory already under Russian control.
Known as the "Iron General", Mr Zaluzhny is an extremely popular figure. His departure could damage morale among Ukrainian troops fighting to hold positions along more than 1,000 kilometers of the front line against a large Russian force that has large reserves of ammunition.