
In a carefully choreographed meeting, Mr Putin met with a couple of dozen Russian mothers at Novo-Ogaryovo, one of his residences on the outskirts of Moscow.
“I would like you to know that I personally, and the whole leadership of the country, share your pain,” he said.
In a video released by the Kremlin, the Russian women surround Mr Putin in a formal boardroom. A microphone sits in front of each woman, alongside a cup of tea, with a traditional Russian slice of lemon, and a small plate of pastries.
“We understand that nothing can replace the loss of a son, especially for a mother,” he told them, appearing at times to falter with emotion.
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