Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for unity among the country's citizens and more military support from the West in a video message marking eleven months since the Russian invasion began.

In the video released on Monday, Zelenskyy said January 24, the day marking 11 months of the war, will be passed uniting all forces for the sake of a Ukrainian victory.

The president said a diplomatic marathon has resulted in a real strengthening of the country's defense. He said he is "now working to fill February with even more substantive contacts with leaders."

Russian forces are continuing their offensive in areas, including Donetsk in the east and Zaporizhzhia to the south. Earlier this month, they held joint air force drills with Belarus, ramping up military pressure on Ukraine.

Much attention over the military aid to Ukraine is on whether high-tech German-made Leopard 2 tanks will be provided. But Germany has yet to reach a decision.

Poland has indicated that it will ask Germany for permission to send its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Sunday that Poland has not yet made a request, but she will not refuse if it does.