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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Maryam Zakir-Hussain,Matt Mathers and Emily Atkinson

Ukraine Russia news – live: Putin claims he ‘shares pain’ of troops’ mothers

AFP via Getty Images

Ukraine war: Putin meets soldiers’ mother

Warmonger Vladimir Putin has claimed that he and other government ministers “share the pain” of the mothers whose sons are fighting and dying in Ukraine.

The president, overseeing the conflict from his luxury residence in Moscow, met with troops’ mothers on Friday ahead of Mother’s Day - celebrated in Russia on the last Sunday in November.

Some reports say that around 100,000 have been killed or injured in Mr Putin’s bloody war, which he claims is a “special military operation.”

Speaking on Friday, he told the women: “I would like you to know that, that I personally, and the whole leadership of the country - we share your pain.

“We understand that nothing can replace the loss of a son - especially for a mother,” he aded, breathing heavily, and frequently clearing his throat. “We share this pain.”

Earlier Britain’s Ministry of Defence said many Russian troops are being compelled to serve in Ukraine with "serious" health problems, while those forced to build trenches under fire are likely to have suffered "particularly heavy casualties".

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