SHOW OF STRENGTH

PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky defiantly visited wounded troops in hospital and handed out medals today.

• Robin Perrie
• Fiona Connor
• Katie Davis

• 16:53 ET, Mar 13 2022
• Updated: 17:51 ET, Mar 13 2022

The Ukraine war leader visited a military hospital in the Kyiv region yesterday to meet some of his hero soldiers who have been injured while putting their lives on the line to fight Putin's army.

President Volodymyr Zelensky put a smile on the faces of injured troopsCredit: AFP

He uplifted spirits as he offered words of positivity and reassuranceCredit: EPA

He visited troops at a military hospital following fighting in the Kyiv regionCredit: AFP

10

He awarded 106 servicemen the title of 'heroes of Ukraine' - 17 of them posthumously.

The president's official website said Zelensky's visit was to "award militaries with orders and medals for courage and dedication, and to honor the hospital staff for exemplary work in difficult conditions"

The president told the soldiers: "Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory."

In an address on Sunday President Zelensky said Russians in the south have been using blackmail and bribery in a hope to encourage local officials to form a break-away region.

He said: "Ukraine will stand this test. We need time and strength to break the war machine that has come to our land."