On the eighth day of his invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is satisfied with the progress of the operation so far.
"I would like to say that the special military operation is proceeding strictly on schedule and according to plan," Putin said at the start of a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday, according to state television.
"All tasks are being completed successfully," added the Russian leader.
He offered his condolences to the relatives of Russian soldiers who have been killed in Ukraine and called for a minute's silence for the 498 members of the armed forces who have died.
Putin said the dead soldiers' families had received about 12.4 million roubles (about $116,000) each, while those who were injured were also given compensation payments.
