Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had heard reports from the country's top military leadership on the progress of a special military operation, he was briefed on the ongoing battle literally in these minutes, Interfax reported.

The head of state spoke at a solemn holiday concert in honor of Defender of the Fatherland Day, and he took the stage together with participants in the SMO - pilots, infantrymen, artillerymen, paratroopers, tankers and sailors.

"Here we are gathered here with you for what is essentially a celebration, but I know - I'm just now listening to the top military leadership of the country that right now there is a battle on our historic frontiers for our people. The same brave fighters who are standing here with us are fighting this battle right now, they are fighting heroically, courageously, bravely," Putin said.

The president concluded his speech with the words: "When we are united, we have no equals. To the unity of the Russian people!".