Zelenskiy says situation is ‘difficult’ on visit to Kharkiv; Putin calls China relationship an international ‘stabilising factor’ – as it happened

Zelenskiy heads to Kharkiv amidst Russian offensive in northern region

Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, made his way to Kharkiv on Thursday in response to Russia’s recent incursion across the border in the northern part of the region, opening up a new front in the ongoing war.

Zelenskiy took to Telegram to inform the public that he held a meeting with senior leaders in Kharkiv, stating:

As of today, the situation in Kharkiv oblast is generally under control, our soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the occupier. But the direction remains extremely difficult – we are strengthening our units.

During the meeting, Zelenskiy and commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi discussed the combat situation, potential threats in the near future, and strategies to counter Russia’s offensive plans.

An official photo of Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the meeting in Kharkiv, provided by the Ukrainian president’s office Photograph: Office of the Ukrainian presidentShare