In pictures | Zelensky is visiting eastern Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to the Kharkiv region for the first time since Sunday’s Russian invasion of the country on Sunday, from where Moscow has withdrawn its forces in recent weeks to focus on other fronts.

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“2,229 houses were destroyed in Kharkiv and the region. We will recover, rebuild and bring life back. Evil has come to Kharkiv and all other cities and villages, ”he told the Telegram with a video of his visit.

Pictures show him in a khaki suit and bulletproof vest, with his co-workers and armed soldiers inspecting the wrecked and destroyed vehicles on the roadside.

“In this war, the invaders are trying to achieve any end. But they must understand from time to time that we will defend our soil until the end. They have no chance. We will fight and win,” Mr Zhelensky said.

Kharkiv, the country’s second city, has been under almost daily bombardment since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, and has been enjoying a few weeks of rest as Russian troops withdraw from the east and south. However the eastern part of the city is sometimes targeted.