Russian President Vladimir Putin has met some of the mothers of soldiers sent to fight in Ukraine. The move is seen as an attempt to shore up public sentiment.

The event was held on Friday, ahead of Russia's Mother's Day on Sunday. Footage from state media shows Putin saying, "We share your pain."

Independent media in the country claim the women are his supporters.

One mother asks him to send warm clothes to her son on the frontlines. Putin responds by saying he is giving instructions to the defense ministry every day.

In September, the Putin administration launched a partial mobilization of military reservists. Opposition to the invasion is growing amid rising concerns the number of casualties exceeds official figures.