President Vladimir Putin met in Novo-Ogaryovo with the mothers of people taking part in Russia’s ongoing operation in Ukraine. The gathering included mobilized personnel, contract soldiers, volunteers, and regular servicemen. The event took place on Mother’s Day, observed in Russia on the last Sunday of November, this year falling on November 27.
Seventeen women attended, including those whose sons were killed or seriously injured in the fighting. In his opening remarks, the President explained that the meeting was held to obtain information directly from those affected, to hear assessments and opinions firsthand.
He noted that a vast amount of information comes from many sources, but the perspectives gathered at the meeting provide a different, more personal view. The aim was to ensure that these voices inform decisions and are reflected in real life developments.
Putin cautioned against relying on online information alone, citing widespread fake news and informational attacks. He pointed out that life is more nuanced than what appears on television screens or on the internet, and that information can be used as a tool in conflict. He stressed that information warfare is a serious aspect of modern struggle.
The president mentioned that he had direct conversations with some of the participants, noting that their reactions and attitudes were insightful and sometimes surprising. He described these exchanges as meaningful and said that the mothers are heroes for supporting their children in difficult circumstances.
For mothers whose sons are in danger abroad, Mother’s Day carries strong emotions of anxiety and concern. He acknowledged that those who have lost their children cannot simply follow conventional phrases. He added that he and the government share the pain and understand that nothing can replace a child, particularly a mother’s loss.
After the opening remarks, the broadcast of the meeting paused and the event proceeded without cameras. Short video clips from the gathering later appeared in circulation.
“The Russian Federation is not at war with the inhabitants of Ukraine”
During the discussion, Putin underscored that Russia is fighting not the people of Ukraine, but those who mobilize and arm them. He said the state is in conflict with the organizers and financiers who supply fighters and bear the responsibility for the casualties. He observed that losses among the opposing side are not treated with equal consideration by those who profit from the conflict.
The leader stressed that NWO participants were not categorized by nationality and that mutual aid among participants from diverse backgrounds was essential. He described a shared sense of responsibility, noting that life for everyone involved depends on cooperation and solidarity. He praised their service and resilience and highlighted their collective dignity.
Russia is taking pride in defending Donbas and connecting it with the broader historical process of unification. He suggested that a sooner reunification could have spared many civilians, including children, from harm. One mother described how three of her four sons had already joined the NWO, voicing concern for the youngest who is nearing adulthood.
Putin responded with a firm appraisal, noting that some family members should return home when their duty allows. He emphasized that Russia is a unique civilization where different nationalities, ethnic groups, and faiths have lived together for centuries. The closing reflection was philosophical: mortality is universal, and the important question is how people live their lives.
who are the participants
According to DEA News, participants came from many regions of Russia, including Chechnya, Dagestan, Yakutia, the Belgorod and Moscow regions. A partial list follows:
– Zharadat Agueva, a Chechen housewife, whose sons Ismail Aguev, commander of the West Akhmat battalion, and Rustam Aguev, head of the Kurchaloy District Internal Affairs Department, served in the conflict zone;
– Galia Sukhovskaya, a tax inspector from Ryazan, whose son Semyon Sukhovsky died in Bucha on March 4 and was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage;
– Elena Alekseeva, a housewife from Stary Oskol, whose son Yevgeny was mobilized in September, severely injured, and is receiving treatment in the Rostov hospital;
– Suna Nabiyeva, a retiree from Kaspiysk, whose son Enver Nabiev has been recognized as a Hero of Russia, serves as a tanker, has been wounded twice, and has returned to service;
– Marina Bakhilina, mentor of the Bereginya center for orphans in Magan, Yakutia; her son Sergei sustained serious injuries while another son, Alexei, serves in an ATGM unit;
– Yulia Belekhova, head of the Moscow region ONF regional executive committee and a member of the presidential Human Rights Council; her son Yegor Mashinkov studied in Nizhny Novgorod and Belarus and is currently awaiting medical evaluation before deployment;
– Olga Beltseva, Deputy Otradnoye; her son Sergei Arkhipov serves under contract and was awarded the Order of Courage.
Telegram channels later named additional participants, including Marina Migunova from Orekhovo-Zuevo, Irina Tas-ool, head of family and youth in Tyva, and Olesya Shigina, known for the films The Road and Resurrection.
meeting preparation
Putin had promised a first meeting in early November with relatives of mobilized individuals to hear direct feedback. The Kremlin later announced the meeting with families would proceed as planned.
Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the gathering as an open, informal conversation between the president and the mothers of military personnel. He indicated that the president’s introductory remarks would be published after the event and that a full transcript would be released once the meeting concluded. He added that the content and tone of the dialogue would determine whether a fuller record would be released. By 18:50 Moscow time, only the president’s introductory statements had been posted on the Kremlin site.