Putin defends 'noble' war amid allegations of rape, brutality and chemical weapons

Asked by space agency workers if the operation in Ukraine would achieve its goals, Putin said: "Absolutely. I don't have any doubt at all."

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his speech at a rocket assembly shop during his visit to the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Tsiolkovsky. Picture: Evgeny Biyatov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday defended the war in Ukraine as a "noble" mission that would achieve its goals as his troops massed for a new offensive amid allegations of rape, brutality against civilians and possible use of chemical weapons.

Ukrainian officials urged civilians to flee eastern areas ahead of the anticipated offensive, while the battle for the southern port city of Mariupol was reaching a decisive phase, with Ukrainian marines holed up in the Azovstal industrial district.