Zelensky visits Kharkiv amid fighting in eastern Ukraine

Driving the news: Zelensky visited with troops on the frontlines and inspected the destruction of buildings during his visit, according to press releases from his office.

• "I want to thank each of you for your service," Zelensky said to service members, according to a press release. "You risk your life for all of us and our state. Thank you for defending Ukraine's independence."

The big picture: Thirty-one percent of the Kharkiv region is occupied by Russians, while 5% has been taken back by Ukraine after having previously been occupied, per a release.

• At least seven civilians were killed after Russian forces bombed Kharkiv on Thursday, Reuters reported. The nation's second-largest city had previously been relatively quiet after Ukrainian forces regained ground, per Reuters.