Russian President Vladimir Putin told a gathering of mothers of Russian soldiers serving in Ukraine, some of whom have been murdered, “We share your anguish.”

In his introductory words, which were broadcast by Russian official media, he stated: “Nothing can replace the death of a son.”

Multiple mothers are members of pro-Kremlin organizations. According to critics, they were meticulously selected for the conference.

Opposition to his invasion of Ukraine is increasing in Russia.

Across the nation, groups of moms of active-duty soldiers have publicly complained that their sons are being sent into battle poorly trained and without sufficient weaponry and gear, particularly as the extremely cold winter approaches.

Following several devastating military defeats in recent months, some have also accused the Russian military of using forcibly deployed soldiers as “cannon fodder.

Mark Milley, the most senior US general, estimates that around one hundred thousand Russian and one hundred thousand Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the conflict began on February 24.

In a rare acknowledgment, the Kremlin acknowledged in September that errors were made in its effort to mobilize army reservists.

Mr. Putin was seen seated at a huge table with seventeen mothers during a meeting on Friday at his state residence in Moscow. Some of them donned dark headscarves as a sign of grief.

The president stated, “I want you to know that I personally and the entire nation’s leadership feel your pain.”

He informed one mother her son “accomplished his mission” and “did not perish in vain.”

Mr. Putin stated that he wished to meet with the mothers face-to-face to learn directly from them about the situation on the ground.

And he stated that he occasionally addressed Russian soldiers directly on the battlefield, calling them “heroes.”

The president also warned the women not to trust “fakes” and “lies” broadcast on television or the internet about the raging war.

Due to the Kremlin’s control of the media in Russia, it is impossible to obtain fair news on the situation in Ukraine. As a result, many Russians have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent censorship.

A transcript of the meeting provided by the Kremlin hours later identified some of the ladies as members of pro-Putin movements.

At least one of the women was reportedly from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic in eastern Ukraine, which Moscow annexed this year.

A member of the All-Russian Popular Front supported by the Kremlin was also present, as was a member of the Combat Brotherhood, an organization that gathers humanitarian items for Russian soldiers.

According to opposition media sites, a politician from the ruling party United Russia was also present at the meeting.

In recent weeks, mothers and wives of conscripted Russians have posted collective video messages lamenting that their sons and husbands were sent to war without proper training and equipment. Some ladies have made direct appeals to President Putin, the commander-in-chief, to resolve the situation.

The “Putin meets mothers” event appears to be an attempt by the Kremlin to persuade Russians that their president cares about the soldiers and families he is sending into conflict.

Mr. Putin stated, “We recognize that nothing can replace the loss of a son, a child.” “Especially for a mother, to whom we are all indebted for the birth of this kid.”

Given the magnitude of death and destruction caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these comments are bound to anger Ukrainians.

Mr. Putin attempted to portray himself as a concerned Kremlin leader. However, remember that he decided to invade Ukraine. His proposal is a “special military operation.”

At least in public, he has no regrets.

He advised a mother: “Some individuals die from alcohol, and their lives are forgotten. But your son lived and accomplished his objective. He didn’t die in vain.”

President Putin stated on Friday that “life is more complicated than what is shown on television or even the internet.”

I concur with him that Russian television continues to portray the Kremlin’s alternative reality of events in Ukraine.