According to a think group, Vladimir Putin is probably searching for someone to point the finger at for the equipment and technology issues his troops are having in Ukraine.

Mr. Putin openly criticized Denis Manturov, his deputy prime minister, during a cabinet meeting for holding up the issuance of state instructions to the aviation sector.

The deputy prime minister was given the directive by the Russian president to “perform the work within a month” without “playing the fool.”

Although Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, described it as “regular procedure” for the cabinet, it reveals divisions within the Russian leadership over how the war effort is being managed.

While efforts to oppose Russian soldiers continue in the mining town of Soledar, Ukraine is attempting to evacuate over 600 people, including children.

The Wagner militia of Russia claims to have captured Soledar after fierce battle that left many Ukrainians dead around the town.

The conscription age could be raised from 27 to 30 in time for a spring draft, according to a top Russian politician, increasing the number of Russian soldiers by almost a third.