Putin to Russian mothers protesting war: "We share your pain"

President Vladimir Putin on Friday met with more than a dozen mothers of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, telling those who had lost sons that he and the entire leadership shared their suffering….

Putin said he understood the anxiety and concern of soldiers’ mothers – and the pain of those who had lost sons in Ukraine.

“I would like you to know that, that I personally, and the whole leadership of the country – we share your pain,” Putin said.

“We understand that nothing can replace the loss of a son – especially for a mother,” he added, breathing heavily and frequently clearing his throat. “We share this pain.”

[Sounds Clintonesque, no? Just the fact that Putin had to take this meeting indicates that his propaganda is losing its effectiveness. — Ed]