Russia’s defense minister pays a rare visit to occupied areas of Ukraine.

Sergei K. Shoigu, the Russian defense minister, made a rare visit to occupied Ukrainian territory amid the lackluster performance of Russia’s renewed military offensive and growing tensions with the Wagner mercenary group, a prominent paramilitary ally.

Mr. Shoigu toured the occupied southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, according to videos and statements released by the Russian defense ministry on Monday. He also visited a Russian military base in the eastern Donetsk region on Saturday. Read more

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