Putin says West was preparing to invade

He said on Monday that troops and volunteers fighting in the eastern Ukrainian Donbass region were fighting for their Motherland.

"You are fighting for your Motherland, its future," he said.

"The death of every soldier and officer is painful for us," he said. "The state will do everything to take care of these families."

He finished his speech with a rallying cry to the assembled soldiers: "For Russia, For Victory, Hurrah!"