Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi visited troops in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces have escalated efforts to dislodge exhausted Ukrainian troops. The Kremlin’s army aims to capture more land as spring and summer approach, taking advantage of the dry conditions that allow heavy military equipment to maneuver more easily. Moscow is particularly focused on gaining control of Donetsk, which it illegally annexed in 2022 shortly after invading Ukraine. The Russian military has been shelling settlements in the region and dropped a powerful glide bomb on the city of Selydove, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Civilians in the Donetsk region have also felt the impact of Russia’s assault, with 37 homes and six multi-story buildings damaged by Russian bombing in Selydove. Additionally, one person was killed and at least nine were injured in shelling of other settlements in the region. About 250 people have been evacuated from their homes due to the ongoing conflict. During his visit, Zelenskyy discussed issues such as public drinking water supply, social problems, evacuation plans, and the reconstruction of damaged homes with local officials. He expressed a desire for a more effective response from Kyiv officials overseeing these matters.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the Donetsk region also included introducing the new commander of the Joint Forces Command, Andrii Hnatov, who replaced Yurii Sodol. The change in leadership came after criticism from Bohdan Krotevych, chief of staff of the Azov brigade, who accused an unnamed general of causing unnecessary casualties among Ukrainian soldiers. While Zelenskyy did not directly address the reasons for Sodol’s replacement, reports from Ukrainian media outlets suggested that the criticism was directed at him. The change in command highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in defending against Russia’s military aggression.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing since Russia’s annexation of parts of Donetsk in 2022, and the situation has intensified in recent months as Russian forces seek to gain more territory. The Ukrainian military, despite being exhausted and outgunned, has remained resilient in the face of relentless attacks. Zelenskyy’s frequent visits to the front-line areas demonstrate his commitment to supporting and boosting the morale of Ukrainian troops. The ongoing violence has resulted in civilian casualties and forced evacuations, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on local communities.
As Russia continues its assault on eastern Ukraine, the international community has condemned its actions and called for an end to the violence. The Ukrainian government, with the support of Western allies, is working to provide additional supplies and support to the front-line troops. The conflict in Donetsk is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Russia to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelenskyy’s visit to the region underscores the importance of standing strong against Russian aggression and supporting the Ukrainian military in their defense of the country.
