Oh boy
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/25/putin-russia-ukraine-mothers-soldiers/Putin tells mothers of soldiers fighting in Ukraine he ‘shares’ their pain
By Mary Ilyushina
Updated November 25, 2022 at 12:01 p.m. EST|Published November 25, 2022 at 10:37 a.m. EST
As anger over the drawn-out invasion simmers in Russia, President Vladimir Putin on Friday held his first public meeting of the nine-month-long war with mothers of soldiers who had been fighting in Ukraine, a move likely aimed at quelling discontent.
In a clip broadcast by Russian state media, Putin is seen sitting down with a group of women around a table adorned with ornate tea cups and fresh berries for a talk coinciding with Russian Mother’s Day.
“I want you to know that I personally, the entire leadership of the country, we share your pain,” Putin said, pausing and clearing his throat. “We understand that nothing can replace the loss of a son, a child, especially for the mother, to whom we all owe the birth.”
“I want you to know that we share this pain with you and, of course, we will do everything so that you do not feel forgotten,” Putin added.