Zelensky visits troops in Ukraine front line town of Avdiivka

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday (December 29) he visited eastern Ukraine’s embattled town of Avdiivka, which Russian forces are trying to encircle in some of the most ferocious fighting at the front. “We discussed the defence situation and basic needs with the commander,“ he wrote on Telegram messenger, sharing a video of him giving out medals to soldiers. Russia intensified its attacks on Avdiivka in mid-October after months of counteroffensive operations by Ukraine were unable to make significant headway against dug-in Russian positions this summer. The fighting around Avdiivka, much of it now damaged, is reminiscent of a battle for another eastern city, Bakhmut, which fell to Russian forces in May after months of brutal urban combat. Read more: The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the worl