Zelensky visits the front lines of Kharkiv, in north-east Ukraine

During a trip to the Kharkiv region, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky visited “front line positions” of the Ukrainian military and talked with soldiers, according to his office.

“I want to thank each of you for your service. You risk your life for all of us and our state. Thank you for defending Ukraine’s independence. Take care of yourself,” he said.

During his visit, Zelensky received an operational report on the situation in the area and saw the city’s wrecked governmental and residential structures.

He also presided over a meeting of regional officials, which included military officers and the mayor of Kharkiv.

According to Oleg Synegubov, the commander of the Kharkiv regional military administration, 31% of the region’s land is currently occupied, while 5% has been “liberated” and returned to Ukrainian control.

“We are not yet able to fully inspect some of the liberated settlements, conduct full-fledged demining and begin rebuilding critical infrastructure, as shelling continues. Where we can do it remotely, we do it,” Synegubov said.

In Kharkiv, 2,229 high-rise buildings have been damaged, with 225 entirely destroyed, according to Synegubov.

30.2 percent of the total housing stock in Kharkiv’s northern and eastern districts has been damaged or destroyed.

Zelensky addressed plans for rebuilding the city, including the construction of modern homes with bomb shelters.

“We have to find funds, credit lines. The state must ensure this in terms of guarantees, and the leaders of cities and regions must find great projects and money,” Zelensky said.