Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the command posts of Russian troops located in Ukraine for the first time since the beginning of the war. This was reported by the press service of the department.
“At the command posts of the Russian groups, General of the Army Sergei Shoigu heard reports from the commanders on the current situation and actions of the Russian Armed Forces in the main operational areas,” the report says.
In addition, the Minister of Defense awarded some soldiers with the Golden Star medal of the Hero of the Russian Federation and the Order of Courage for "heroism and dedication in performing combat missions during the operation." Together with Shoigu, Head of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Sergei Rudskoy and Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov visited Ukraine.
The video released by the press service shows how the delegation of the ministry gets out of the helicopter, then holds a meeting, after which Shoigu awards the servicemen. The sound in this video appears only at the end, at the award ceremony. “I assure you that you still have many glorious deeds ahead for the benefit of our fatherland, the armed forces, and the airborne troops. Congratulations! Take care of yourself," Shoigu said.
Since the beginning of the war, the Russian Defense Minister has become much less likely to appear in public. Shoigu's comments on the situation at the front appear every few days, and in March the head of the military department disappeared for a record 18 days. Since February 24, Shoigu has not publicly visited Ukraine or the territories of the unrecognized republics even once.