“We need to think about perpetuating the memory of those of our comrades who showed heroism and sacrificed their lives for the peaceful life of our people in Donbass and to ensure the peaceful life and existence of Russia itself,” he said. “They deserved it with their actions and their attitude towards their oath.”

During a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, where Putin was informed of the liberation of the city of Mariupol, the head of state ordered designing additional support measures for those who risk their physical integrity in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine since February 24th.

“In addition to the fulfillment of all social obligations with our soldiers, especially with the wounded, with the families of our dead comrades, it is necessary to ensure the unconditional fulfillment of all social guarantees, but this is not enough,” he stressed.

Putin described as heroes all the Russian soldiers who distinguished themselves during the operation for the liberation of Mariupol launched on March 11th, and proposed special prizes for them.

Putin stressed again that “the control of such an important town in the south of Ukraine as Mariupol is a success”, and asked that Shoigu pass on his (Putin’s) congratulations to the troops, as well as present proposals to give awards to outstanding fighters.

In the meeting held this Thursday, Shoigu notified the president that the Russian Army has taken total control of Mariupol, and that the remains of nationalists are entrenched and encircled in the Azovstal plant.

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