KYIV, May 29 —Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited troops on the frontline in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region today, his first official appearance outside the Kyiv region since the start of Russia's invasion on Feb. 24.

'You risk your lives for us all and for our country,' the President's office website cited him as telling the soldiers, adding that he handed out commendations and gifts.

Zelenskiy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, wrote on the Telegram app that the president had also visited Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv.

Yermak said Zelenskiy toured destroyed residential buildings, noting that their replacements had to be built with bomb shelters in place.

The president's chief of staff added that 31 per centof Kharkiv region's territory was currently occupied by Russia, and a further 5 per cent had been taken back by Ukraine having been occupied earlier. — Reuters

KHARTOUM, May 29 —Sudan's Security and Defence Council recommended today lifting an emergency law and releasing all detainees who were arrested under it, according to a statement issued by the transitional sovereign council.

Military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan headed a meeting of the Council that focused on security issues in the country and ways to create the right atmosphere for dialogue.

Al-Burhan had declared a state of emergency across the country after seizing control in a coup on Oct. 25 last year. — Reuters

MONTERREY (Mexico), May 29 — The first hurricane of the eastern Pacific season barreled toward the southern coast of Mexico today, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) that are expected to strengthen before it makes landfall tomorrow

As of 7 a.m. today (Mexico City time), Hurricane Agatha was located about 200 miles west south west of Puerto Angel, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Hurricane warnings have been declared for parts of the coast of Oaxaca, stretching from Salina Cruz to Lagunas de Chacahua, according to the NHC.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the southern states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero by this afternoon, the NHC said, which could spark 'life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.' — Reuters