MOSCOW: In a significant development, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited a combat zone in Ukraine to assess the ground situation and meet with senior military officials.
During his visit, Shoigu inspected a command post and was briefed on the situation in frontlines. He took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to the commanders and soldiers for their commendable efforts in successful offensive operations, particularly in the region of Lyman, located in eastern Ukraine, the Russian military said in a statement, howevere the exact date of his visit was not specified.
Shoigu lauds Russian troops
The visit showcased Shoigu’s commitment to understanding the ground reality and engaging with military leaders on the frontlines. In a display of solidarity and appreciation for their efforts, Shoigu expressed his gratitude for the troops who have been actively involved in combat operations, the statement said.
During the visit, Shoigu also had the opportunity to engage with General Andrey Mordvichev, the head of the Central Military Unit in Ukraine, who presented a detailed report on the situation in the region. Such direct interactions with top military officials allow the Defence Minister to gain valuable insights and firsthand knowledge about the complexities of the conflict.
Furthermore, Sergei Shoigu also took a ride on a Swedish CV90, one of the many armoured vehicles that have been acquired during the course of fighting in the region. This gesture not only demonstrated Shoigu’s keenness to familiarize himself with the equipment used by the troops but also underlined the significance of military hardware in modern warfare, the statement added.
It is to be noted that this is not the first time Shoigu has visited the frontline. His previous visit occurred at the end of June, following a failed rebellion by the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, which was fighting alongside Moscow’s forces in Ukraine. This indicates the Defence Minister’s hands-on approach and active involvement in monitoring the evolving situation in the conflict zone.
