Skopje, 22 February 2023 (MIA) - Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska visited the cities of Irpin and Bucha in Ukraine on Wednesday, where fierce battles with Russian forces took place in March last year. 

In Irpin and Bucha, Petrovska witnessed the consequences of the destruction caused by the war, the difficult conditions in which Ukrainians live, as well as their zeal and motivation to fight for their sovereignty, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release. 

"War is merciless and the only thing it brings is pain and grief. On the faces of the Ukrainian people you can see the unscrupulousness of the military actions, but you can also see their fortitude and will to defend their homeland," said Petrovska. 

She highlighted the heroism of the local people in defending their country and reiterated the urgent need for peace and security to be restored to the territory of the entire country. Petrovska said that North Macedonia strongly and clearly points out that the suffering of the Ukrainian people must stop immediately, adds the press release.