Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who visited the front line and cheered on the soldiers on Wednesday, admitted to his compatriots – in an evening message that appeared to have been recorded in a basement – that he was troubled by what he saw but remains optimistic that victory is possible, stressing that for Kharkiv it is important to “remain strong” in order to liberate all occupied territory, including Crimea, News.ro reports.

“It is painful to look at the cities of Donbas, where Russia has brought terrible suffering and ruin. The siren (sounds) almost constantly, hour after hour, in Kramatorsk, a constant threat of bombings, a constant threat to life… There, in the Donbas, in the Kharkiv region – no matter where the Russian evil reaches, it is obvious that the state terrorist can only be stopped one thing: our victory. And we will ensure it – a Ukrainian victory,” President Zelenskyy said in a video message on Wednesday evening.

However, the Ukrainian president says that he noticed that in all the regions in the east of the country, where there is a Ukrainian flag, there is also hope. “It can be felt. We will do everything so that the blue and yellow colors continue their liberation movement, restoring normal life throughout our country, from Donetsk to the border,” Zelensky promised, continuing his appeals aimed at giving the population confidence and courage.

“We will definitely respond to the occupier for every attack on our cities… Today’s attacks by the Russians in Zaporozhye, the night attack on the Kyiv region… All attacks by the Russians will receive a military, political and legal response. Russia will lose this war. There is no person in the world who would not feel this. Everyone understands this. And every Russian killer should understand that an arrest warrant is the best thing that can happen to him,” said the head of Kyiv.

He told the Ukrainians that he spent the whole day in the field, went to the Donbas, to the front line, to the Bakhmut region, where he met with the military who are fighting there, and then went to Kharkiv. Actually, Zelenskyi himself apparently recorded his speech, on the phone, somewhere in the basement, not in Kyiv.

“I worked in the regions all day today. Donbas – the front line, our fighters, the region. After that, the Kharkiv region – the situation in Kharkiv, from the border, from all regions of the region, reconstruction, protection of critical infrastructure. I started from the front, from the Bakhmut district. It is an honor for me to support our soldiers who defend the country in the most difficult conditions at the front. We presented state awards, thanked our soldiers for their courage, for their steadfastness, for Ukraine – which we preserve thanks to such heroes, thanks to each of them who fight against Russian evil,” Volodymyr Zelenskyi said.

“I visited the wounded soldiers. We wished them – and I’m sure, on your behalf, on behalf of all our people – a speedy recovery. I thanked the doctors and nurses. And now I want to thank everyone who supports our soldiers who are recovering. I am grateful to every volunteer, every partner of ours who helps us!” — noted Zelenskyi.

He emphasized the importance of the Kharkiv region for the Ukrainian strategy, noting that it “gives strength to the entire east” of Ukraine.

“It is very important that Kharkiv is strong. Very well done! Thank you, people of Kharkiv! Face with confidence. The city lives, the city fights, Kharkiv gives strength to our entire east. I thank everyone who stayed in Kharkiv, who works, who gives work to others, who supports security, protects the border! Thank you to everyone – at posts, at posts, at critical infrastructure facilities, workers of communal services, local authorities, businesses, educators…” Zelenskyy said, promising the government’s comprehensive assistance to ensure “stable social security”.

Zelensky concluded his speech by reminding that now is the beginning of the month of Ramadan, and the Crimean Tatars are forced to spend it under Russian occupation. After wishing them Ramadan, the Ukrainian president also outlined the time horizon in which he would like to end the war – one year.

“Tonight begins the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. A significant part of our Ukrainian Muslim community, the Crimean Tatar people, is forced to spend Ramadan under occupation, under the threat of Russian repression and abuse in Crimea, under bombing in other parts of Ukraine and in frontline battles. I have no doubt that we will restore freedom, respect and safety for our entire state and for all communities. And may the power of prayer in this holy month help us to cleanse Ukraine from the ungodly Russian evil, from those who do not really believe in anything and are therefore capable of such terror. Let the next Ramadan begin with peace and on the entire Ukrainian land free from Russia. Ramadan Mubarak!” – said Zelensky.