After a visit to the frontline areas in the east of the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke of great suffering, but also of hope.

"It is painful to see the cities in the Donbass, to which Russia has brought terrible suffering and ruin," he said in his evening video address on Wednesday. There are "hourly air raid sirens, a constant threat of shelling, a constant threat to life." But despite the severe destruction and suffering, there is hope in these areas. "You can feel them," said Zelenskyj.

"We will do everything so that the blue and yellow colors can continue their liberation movement and normal life can return to our whole country, from Donetsk to the border," he said, alluding to the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Selenskyj had visited the embattled Bakhmut and the city of Kharkiv.

Zelenskyj: "Will react to every attack"

At the same time, Zelenskyi announced a response from Kiev to the recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities with combat drones. "We will definitely respond to any attack by the occupying forces on our cities," said Zelenskyy. "We will react militarily, politically and legally to all Russian attacks."

According to information from Kiev, at least 14 people have been killed in the most recent Russian attacks in various parts of Ukraine. The press service of the Ukrainian army also reported 24 injuries.