President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called Kharkiv a “city of heroes”, praising the resistance of the inhabitants to the Russian occupiers.

During a visit to the city on Wednesday, President Zelensky presented Mayor Igor Terekhov with a plaque reading “Hero City of Ukraine.” Kharkiv is “a city of real heroes,” Mr. Zelensky said, according to the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN. “Thanks to its people, this beautiful city, like others, protects our independence,” he added.

President Zelensky also visited hospitals in Ukraine’s second most populous city and presented medals to wounded soldiers.

The counterattack, launched last May by the Ukrainian army in the Kharkiv region, prevented the advance of Russian troops on the northeastern front.

Zelensky’s visit to Kharkiv follows his trip to the front near the strategically important city Bahamut.

Despite the destruction and suffering that is “painful to see” in the Donbas regions, according to the Ukrainian president, “hope is all-pervasive.” “We will do everything so that the Ukrainian army continues the campaign to “liberate” all regions, “in order to restore normal life throughout our country, from Donetsk to the border,” Zelensky said, assuring how the conquerors would receive answers. for their attacks.

According to the latest report from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, at least 14 people were killed and another 24 were injured as a result of shelling by Russian troops in various parts of Ukrainian territory during the day on Wednesday.

Source: RES-IPE