Zelensky makes first trip to line of contact in East Ukraine

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Monday visited the line of contact on Monday, separating the self-proclaimed eastern Ukrainian republics of Donetsk and Lugansk (DPR and LPR) from the rest of the country, the presidential press service said.

The Ukrainian leader visited the front lines of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Lugansk region.

"The head of state talked with servicemen about their living conditions, food, asked if they had been provided with sufficient equipment, lodging and social benefits and how well the military units were staffed," TASS cited the statement as saying.

According to the document, Zelensky noted that the welfare of enlisted men should be improved and they should be allowed to do their service "in normal conditions."

During the visit, the commander of the military operation in Donbass, Alexander Syrsky, delivered a report to the president.