Ukraine invasion: Vladimir Putin insists Russia's advance 'going to plan' as he praises soldiers as 'real heroes'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted the invasion of Ukraine is "going to plan" - as he praised his soldiers as "real heroes".

"All objectives that were set are being resolved or achieved successfully," he said in a televised address, despite Western intelligence suggesting the invasion is behind the Kremlin's schedule.

He also reiterated his claims Russia is fighting "neo-Nazis", referring to the war as a "special operation" - something that has been widely refuted by the West as propaganda.

Ukraine live: Putin accused of 'genocide' in key city

In a speech, the Russian leader announced a posthumous award to a fallen Russian soldier who he says "blew himself up" with a grenade to avoid being captured.

Mr Putin said Ukrainians and Russians are "one people" but that Ukrainians have been "threatened and brainwashed".

He also made a series of comments - for which he did not provide evidence - that Ukrainian forces were holding foreign citizens hostage and using human shields.