President Zelenskyy Rushes to Kharkiv Amid Russian Advance
KHARKIV, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine canceled his planned trip to Spain and rushed to Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city, which is once again under threat from the advancing Russian forces.
ABC News had exclusive access to join Zelenskyy on a tour of a hospital in Kharkiv, where he met with soldiers injured in the northern defense and presented them with medals of valor. Despite the rushed nature of the visit due to security concerns, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of being there to support the injured soldiers.
“The situation is very serious. We cannot afford to lose Kharkiv,” Zelenskyy stated during his visit.
He also highlighted the impact of the delay in U.S. aid on the ongoing conflict, expressing frustration over the situation along the northeastern border. Zelenskyy stressed the need for immediate assistance from the international community to combat the Russian aggression.
During the visit, Zelenskyy addressed the recent announcement of additional aid from the U.S. and emphasized the urgency of the situation on the ground. He acknowledged the concerns about the cost of supporting Ukraine but emphasized the broader implications of the conflict for global security.
As Zelenskyy departed, the soldiers he had visited expressed gratitude for his support, with one soldier, Maxim, noting that he would prefer to award his medal to the men who saved his life.
The visit underscored the gravity of the situation in Kharkiv and the urgent need for international support to defend against the Russian advance.