Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday traveled to Donbas, a region in eastern Ukraine where clashes between government forces and insurgents are escalating.

According to the presidency, Zelensky will meet frontline soldiers during his visit, which aims to boost morale.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine began in April 2014. It has claimed some 14,000 lives and left as many as 40,000 wounded.