Russian Defence Minister Visits Frontline Troops in Ukraine

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited the frontline Headquarters of the “Centre” Army group involved in the Ukrainian conflict.

Shoigu who was briefed by the Group Commander thanked the officers and troops for “conducting successful operations” near Lyman, Interfax reported.

He was also shown a Swedish CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle that was abandoned by retreating Ukrainian soldiers after being hit by a hand-held anti-tank grenade.

The report was in line with Russian efforts to play down the effectiveness of weapons and equipment that NATO members and other Western countries have supplied to Ukraine.

Shoigu’s trip came days after a visit to the front line by General Valery Gerasimov, Chief Of The General Staff and Overall Commander of Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

REUTERS/AISHA