Kiev, 19 May 2023 (dpa/MIA) - After the successes of Ukrainian troops in the intense battles for Bakhmut, a town in eastern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky praised his soldiers.

"Firstly, the defensive brigades have done a good job, they have fulfilled the most important strategic tasks," he said in his evening video address.

"And the offensive brigades are doing a good job."

He deliberately avoided giving any details about the combat operations and further steps he discussed with his military cabinet.

He also said the air force and air defence had done an "excellent job" in protecting civilians.

"Our priorities for this week, next week and in the near future are additional air defence systems, additional missiles, training and aircraft, long-range weapons," Zelensky said. "And that will happen."