Russia applauds 'heroes', marks patriotic holiday

MOSCOW — Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday hailed Russia's "heroes" fighting in Ukraine on the eve of the second anniversary of its special military campaign, with Moscow bolstered by gains against Ukrainian troops.

Putin's message came on the Defender of the Fatherland Day, a Russian national holiday that celebrates those who are and were serving in the armed forces.

"You are our true national heroes," Putin said in a video message addressed to troops and veterans.

Putin has spent recent days flying in bomber planes, handing out medals to troops and hailing a "turning point" in Ukraine.

He has referred to Ukraine's "chaotic flight" from Avdiivka, a stronghold that Russia has claimed control of.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has been weakened by the blocking of US aid, its failed counteroffensive and worsening ammunition shortages. Agence France-Presse reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged an "extremely difficult" situation on the front.

Two years of fighting has taken its toll on Ukraine's stretched forces.

"It's extremely hard," Ukrainian infantryman Oleksiy told AFP in eastern Ukraine, caked in mud after returning from the trenches.

"We don't have weapons like they have. You know, they have factories for production, and us? We beg for weapons. That's the way it is," said Oleksiy, 32.

In Moscow, Putin laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin walls.

"We glorify today the feat of soldiers who are heroically fighting on the borders of Russia, defending its sovereignty and independence," Orthodox bishop Patriarch Kirill said in a letter to Putin.

"I feel pride for our men," resident Nadezhda told AFP. "In the last two years that (pride) became even stronger."

The Russian army said last week it had also captured the eastern village of Pobeda and that its troops were "moving westward" after capturing Avdiivka.

Oleksiy said that while the fall of the industrial hub affected morale, troops were ready to fight on.

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said that "in terms of the ratio of forces, the advantage is on our side".

Agencies Via Xinhua