At least one person was killed and 32 more injured in the block of flats in Zaporizhzhia, a city near the frontline, just before Zelensky announced his visit to the front, the mayor said.

And officials announced the death toll from a separate overnight drone attack by Russia on a school south of the capital Kyiv had risen to seven, with another nine injured. During the visit to the front near Bakhmut — the longest and bloodiest battle of Russia’s invasion — Zelensky recognised the troops had a “difficult” task.

“I am honoured to be here today to award our heroes. To shake hands and thank them for protecting the sovereignty of our country.” Video released by Zelensky’s office showed him meeting servicemen in a warehouse and handing out state decorations.