Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited frontline positions near Bakhmut on March 22, awarding soldiers with medals and posing for photographs.

The devastated city has long been a focal point of the war as Russian forces try to revive their military campaign in the east.

Ukraine’s Presidential Office said Zelensky presented awards to soldiers, thanked them for their defense of Ukraine, and held a moment of silence in memory of the fallen.

The footage of Zelensky’s visit was released as Russian forces launched a series of strikes on Ukrainian cities. At least five people were killed.

The UK Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday that a Ukrainian counterattack to the west of Bakhmut was likely to relieve pressure on the threatened main supply route to the city, and that the Russian assault on the city could be losing the “limited momentum” it had previously obtained. Credit: Volodymyr Zelensky via Storyful