Russia's government has launched a coordination council aimed at supporting the needs of its armed forces.

About eight months into the invasion of Ukraine, Moscow appears to be bracing itself for a prolonged battle.

Russia has carried out waves of missile and drone attacks since mid-October, which left numerous Ukrainians internally displaced. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops are trying to take back the city of Kherson in the south.

On Monday, the coordination council held its first meeting online. President Vladimir Putin ordered the creation of the council last Wednesday, when he declared martial law in the four regions Russia unilaterally annexed from Ukraine.
The council's members include Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, cabinet ministers and top security officials.

Mishustin said during the meeting that the council is ready to provide necessary resources to the military in order to meet the goal set by the president. He said they will be quickly delivered to all soldiers, including those on the front lines, in rear units and on training grounds.

Officials say the council is tasked with procuring a range of items, from weaponry and communication equipment to medicine and food, in coordination with regional administrative bodies and authorities. It will also provide manpower.

Russia's defense ministry on Monday said the country's Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov spoke by phone with the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. Gerasimov also talked with British Chief of Defence Staff Tony Radakin in a separate phone call.
In the talks, Gerasimov reportedly raised concerns over unverified claims that Ukraine might use a "dirty bomb," which is designed to disperse radioactive material.

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu made similar claims on Sunday. Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov suggested the issue will be discussed in the UN Security Council. Ukrainian officials say those claims are fabricated.