President Volodymyr Zelensky on Dec. 12 recorded a video from Kupiansk, one of the hottest parts of the frontline, in which he praised Ukrainian troops fighting in the city.

The front line visit comes as Ukraine’s National Guard said its 2nd Khartiia Corps carried out a successful counterattack north of Kupiansk, a development that flatly contradicts Russia’s recent claims of capturing the city.

“The Russians kept going on about Kupyansk – the reality speaks for itself. I visited our troops and congratulated them. Thank you to each and every warrior! I am proud of you! And I thank all of our Land Forces – today is your day!” Zelensky said in a message posted to X accompanying the video, in which he stands in front of the bullet riddled sign marking the entrance to the city, surrounded by anti-drone nets.

Video: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy/Telegram.