Скачать или смотреть Belousov visits command post of Russia's Southern Group of Forces

Russia's defence ministry on Wednesday (January 29) published video showing the Defence Minister Andrei Belousov visiting the command post of Russia's Southern Group of Forces deployed in what Moscow refers to as its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin ordered tens of thousands of troops into the neighbouring country almost three years ago on February 24, 2022.

During his visit to the Southern Group HQ in an undisclosed location, Belousov was briefed by the commanding officer, General Alexander Sanchik. The Russian defence minister later awarded medals to soldiers.

Russian forces have been slowly but steadily advancing in eastern Ukraine for more than a year in relentless ground combat that has caused massive military losses on both sides. Kyiv, for its part, has managed to capture and hold a pocket of territory inside Russia over the past six months.

Ukrainian analysts estimate Russia captured about 3,000 square km (1200 square miles) of territory last year.

The Russian defence minister was also shown a range of ground drones used on a variety missions - from delivery of ammunition to laying mines and attacking armoured vehicles.