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At a Moscow military hospital, President Vladimir Putin honored a soldier from Russia’s 127th Reconnaissance Brigade — a frontline hero who survived NATO-backed fire on the Southern Front. The meeting turned into a powerful symbol of defiance and national pride. Putin's tribute carried a message of resilience, loyalty, and courage. As Western media focus on battlefield setbacks, Russia’s leader chose to spotlight the human face of sacrifice and endurance that, he said, defines the special military operation. During his visit to Mandryk Hospitalon Wednesday, Putin met servicemen wounded during the special military operation in Ukraine and also spoke with medical staff. He was accompanied by Sergey Shoigu, the Russian Defence Minister. “You are very special to me. They (pointing to other members of the brigade) are special to you as well, because they saved your lives out there. I’ve just been told about your wounds — thank God you’re doing well. I’ve brought you a few presents of mine. It’s a pleasure,” Putin said while holding the soldier’s hand. The Russian leader praised the "exceptional endurance and special spirit" of Russian soldiers and said that "every serviceman in the special military operation zone … is acting heroically." The visit was accompanied by remarks referencing the broader military-operation context, including statements about the situation developing favourably for Russia. Russia Controls About 19 % of Ukraine's Land Area Russia has made slow but steady advances in the three-year-old war with its southwestern neighbour, Ukraine. As per the latest reports, Pokrovsk (in Donetsk region) is under heavy pressure from Russian forces, who are reported to have nearly encircled the city in a pincer movement. Though Ukrainian officials deny full encirclement, independent analysts say the situation is "on the verge of being critical." From September 30–October 28, 2025, Russian forces reportedly gained about 154 square miles of Ukrainian territory, bringing Russia's control to about 19 % of Ukraine’s land area. Ukraine, meanwhile, has ramped up long-range and infrastructure strikes into Russian-held territory, including using domestically produced missiles "FP‑5 Flamingo" and Ruta missiles, and drones to hit Russian oil-refining capacity and logistics. With the war nearing its fourth year, Russia is shifting tactics with increased drone and glide-bomb deployments, and heavier use of multi-launch rocket systems (MLRS). Ukraine’s General Staff reports thousands of attacks in recent days.
