Putin pays tribute to Russian national unity as fighting grinds on in Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday hailed Russian national unity amid the fighting in Ukraine in a state-of-the-nation address ahead of next month's election he's all but certain to win.

Speaking to an audience of lawmakers and top officials televised live nationwide, Putin said that Russia was "defending its sovereignty and security and protecting our compatriots" in Ukraine.

He hailed Russian soldiers and honoured those who were killed in fighting with a moment of silence.

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