Senior commanders of what Russia calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine briefed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on the current situation and plans for action, a Moscow-based agency said on Sunday, Reuters reported.

Shoigu made a rare visit to Russian troops stationed in Ukraine on Saturday, presenting medals to servicemen and meeting with the command, according to a statement and video footage released by the Defense Ministry on Saturday.

• “The Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Serhiy Shoigu, during a military special operation, inspected the command post of the unit of the Vostok force group in the Donetsk-Pivdenny direction.
• At the command post, Shoigu received a report from the commander of the group, Colonel General Rustam Muradov, and staff officers on the current development of events and actions of the troops,” Moscow said.

On Sunday, Shoigu met with the commanders of the “operation”, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Telegram, without specifying whether the meeting took place during the trip.

• “Serhiy Shoigu paid special attention to ensuring all the necessary conditions for the safe placement of personnel in the field and the comprehensive support of the troops,” – reported in Moscow.

Russian military leaders have only rarely visited the front line in Ukraine since Moscow invaded Ukraine and sent tens of thousands of Russian troops there on February 24, 2024.

• Sunday’s events regarding the war started by Russia in Ukraine are broadcast LIVE on HotNews.ro