Putin hails Russian soldiers in Ukraine

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin on Friday hailed the “authentic heroes” fighting in Ukraine on the eve of the second anniversary of Russia’s offensive, bolstered by gains against ammunition-starved Ukrainian troops.

Putin’s message came on Moscow’s “Defender of the Fatherland Day” patriotic holiday, which has always been a chance for military pomp and Kremlinsponsored patriotism.

“In these past years, the military and industrial complexes have multiplied both weapons production and supplies to troops,” Putin added in a video message put out by the Russian presidency.

This year, the holiday falls with Putin inspired by the symbolic capture of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka and as Russia revels in the US Congress blocking vital military aid to Kyiv.

Putin has spent recent days flying bomber planes, handing out medals to troops and touting a “turning point” in Ukraine.

Earlier this week, he mocked what he called the “chaotic flight” of Ukrainian soldiers from Avdiivka.

“This is a special page in the history of combat operations in general and in Russia’s defense of its vital interests,” Putin said of Moscow’s capture of the city that had been under attack for months.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has been weakened by the blocking of US aid, its failed counter-offensive and worsening ammunition shortages, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledging an “extremely difficult” situation on the front.

After two years fighting a bigger and richer army, Ukrainian forces are exhausted, with the fall of Avdiivka after months of bloody battles a blow to morale for its troops in the east.

In Moscow, Putin will lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin walls and traditionally greet troops on the holiday.

The holiday is also marked with pomp in schools, which have seen unprecedented levels of militarization since Putin launched the Ukraine campaign.

Russia has banned all criticism of its campaign, punishing thousands for denouncing the offensive, with repression comparable to late Soviet levels.

The UN Security Council will also meet, marking two years of conflict costing many lives.