Russia's military aggression against Ukraine continues.
Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues across Ukraine, forcing thousands of civilians to flee the country.
We will keep you updated on developments regarding the situation in Ukraine on the 21st (Japan time), including the situation of the fighting and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 7-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6-hour time difference with Moscow, Russia.)
President Zelensky Encourages Soldiers with Bakhmut
The Ukrainian president's office said on the 20th that President Zelensky entered one of the Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Donbass region, Bakhmut in Donetsk province, and encouraged the soldiers.
According to the president's office, President Zelensky handed over the medal to the soldier and received a report from the commander of his unit on the situation such as operations and logistical support.
In the video, President Zelensky addressed the soldiers and said, "I would like to thank those who are not here, and I would like to observe a moment of silence in honor of the deceased heroes."
He added: "We see the wreckage where Russia has gone. There are no survivors. Here in Donbass we have to defend the whole of Ukraine, because after Donbass Russia will do the same in other cities. It is up to you to protect not only Donbass, but the whole of Ukraine."
In a video released on the 19th of the previous day, President Zelensky said that Bakhmut was ``the place where the battle is the most intense on the front line,'' and it seems that the aim is to inspire the soldiers by entering the fierce battlefield themselves.