The top commander of Ukraine's military has visited the frontline of the war against Russia to honor soldiers for their bravery.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced in a social media post on Sunday that he and Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited the forward command posts of military units in the combat zone. He didn't disclose the locations.

He said they were briefed on the situation on the ground and bestowed decorations for soldiers who made significant contributions to the battles to defend the eastern cities of Avdiivka and Bakhmut and elsewhere. Ukrainian troops withdrew from Avdiivka earlier this month.

Ahead of the trip, Syrskyi released a statement on Saturday to mark two years after Russia's invasion of his country. He described the war against Russia as Europe's largest after World War Two. He praised his troops for taking back some of the territories from Russia and holding their lines and positions.

On the counteroffensive Ukraine launched in June of last year, Syrskyi said it "unfortunately, did not bring the desired result, due to objective circumstances."

He renewed a pledge to continue to fight on so that "every Ukrainian city or village does not become another Bucha, Bakhmut or Avdiivka."