Zelenskyy visits frontline Donetsk Oblast town, warns of coming Russian offensive

In a video address from frontline Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast, Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainian troops and named several units defending the area, including the 28th Brigade, the 100th, the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade, and the 36th Marine Brigade.

“Today — Donetsk, our land, our soldiers … I want to thank all of you — everyone who defends our state!” the president said.

He also mentioned key fortress towns of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, warning that Russia is preparing a new offensive in the region this spring.

“It is important that our positions are strong; it is important that brigades are adequately supplied,” said Zelenskyy.

“Evil must be stopped. Ukrainians here, in the Donbas, are doing exactly that. Thank you to everyone who is with Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who fights against Russia, who defends life,” he added.

Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine will not abandon Donetsk Oblast and the 200,000 people still living on government-controlled territory there, once again rejecting Russia’s primary demand for a ceasefire.