Russian Defense Minister reportedly visits Mariupol

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Telegram Monday that Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu traveled to Mariupol to inspect ongoing construction work to “restore the infrastructure of the Donbas.” Among other things, the ministry said, Shoigu visited a medical center, a “DNR” Emergency Services Ministry rescue center, and a new residential neighborhood.

A video published with the statement shows Shoigu onboard a helicopter before cutting to clips of him walking outside and standing in a medical center. He’s accompanied by people in Emergency Situations Ministry uniforms and in camouflage, some of whom are armed. Meduza cannot immediately confirm where or when the video was shot.

The ministry also said that Shoigu heard a report on the construction of a water pipeline that will reportedly connect Russia’s Rostov region to the annexed “Donetsk People’s Republic.”