President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday visited military positions near the frontline town of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, the scene of the longest and bloodiest battle since Russia's invasion, he said.

"Donetsk region. The frontline positions of the Ukrainian military in the Bakhmut area. I am honored to be here today to award our heroes. To shake hands and thank them for protecting the sovereignty of our country," Zelensky said on social media.