Russian defense chief visits battle zone in Ukraine

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia's defense minister paid his first visit to the battle zone in Ukraine to inspect army forces engaged in the country's "special military operation," according to an official statement on Sunday.

"During the inspection of command points of the Russian groups, (Sergey) Shoygu heard out reports of the commanders about the current situation and actions of Russia’s armed forces," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Shoygu paid particular attention to issues of "comprehensive support of combat operations," the ministry noted.

He also checked the troops' living conditions and presented the medals "Golden Star of the Hero of Russia" and "Orders of Courage" to distinguished soldiers, the ministry said.

More than 4,634 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since the war started on Feb. 24, according to the UN.

More than 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including over 8 million that have fled to other countries, according to UN figures.