Vladimir Putin addresses rally in Moscow as Russian troops continue assault

Moscow police said more than 200,000 people were in and around the Luzhniki stadium for the rally and concert

Vladimir Putin delivers his speech at the concert marking the eighth anniversary of the annexation of the Crimea (Alexander Vilf/Sputnik Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared at a huge flag-waving rally in Moscow and praised his country’s troops on Friday as they pressed their lethal attacks on Ukrainian cities with shelling and missiles.

“Shoulder to shoulder, they help and support each other,” Putin said in a rare public appearance since the invasion three weeks ago that made Russia an outcast among nations.