Contrary to his long-table treatment of Russian officials, the Russian president sat up close and personal among the women at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence just outside Moscow, telling them he shared the pain of those who have lost sons and would do everything he could to provide families with help and support.

He also advised them not to trust everything they see on the internet. The women were frank and emotional. He looked pained and sincere.

Since mobilisation, social media has been awash with videos from mobilised men or "mobiks" complaining of a lack of basic equipment, weaponry or training, the general gist being that they are being sent to the front like cannon fodder.

At the same time, mothers and wives across the country have filmed themselves petitioning the president to deal with the multitude of problems and to make sure their men are better provided for.

The Kremlin knows that the best way to head off this viral spread of complaints is to embrace it, glorify the role of the mother and say the president is listening.

Sky News