Footage shows wounded Russian soldiers being awarded medals for their efforts in Ukraine, many looking terrified and shellshocked as they’re greeted by top officials.
In the footage, which was broadcast by Kremlin-controlled Channel One, Russian deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin could be seen meeting with the soldiers and praising them for their service, saying ‘I serve Russia’ as he stood before them.
Each of the men – who were all in wheelchairs – appeared solemn as they had a medal pinned onto their chest by Fomin before shaking his hand.
Fomin told them: "You all carried out the orders assigned to you, you all gave 100 percent.
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"Like real men, like real soldiers, you continued the glorious military traditions of our grandfathers and fathers."
In another clip, Russia’s defence minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov could also be seen meeting another soldier, standing over the hospital bed he was lying in.
"I hope you'll get back on your feet," Yevkurov said as he awarded him a medal, shaking his hand.
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The soldier, meanwhile, looked timid and terrified as he peered up at Yevkurov.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that his government would consider declaring neutrality and offering security guarantees to Russia, including keeping Ukraine nuclear-free.
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Speaking to independent Russian journalists on Sunday (27 March), he said the issue of neutrality - and agreeing to stay out of NATO - should be put to Ukrainian voters in a referendum after Russian troops withdraw.
Russia promptly banned the interview from being published, with Roskomnadzor - which regulates communications for Moscow - saying there could be action taken against the Russia-based media outlets that published the interview, which included 'those that are foreign media outlets acting as foreign agents'.
Zelenskyy responded by saying Moscow was afraid of what was a relatively short conversation with journalists, saying, according to Ukrainian news agency RBK Ukraina: “It would be funny if it weren’t so tragic."
He also said Ukraine's priorities at the Ukrainian-Russian talks in Turkey this week will be 'sovereignty and territorial integrity', adding: “We are looking for peace, really, without delay. There is an opportunity and a need for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey. This is not bad. Let’s see the outcome.”
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Zelenskyy said this week he would 'continue to appeal to the parliaments of other countries' to remind them of the dire situation in the besieged cities of his country, such as Mariupol.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Russia, World News
Jess Hardiman