Strongman Vladimir Putin falls during ice hockey game in Russia’s Sochi – Telegraph.co.uk

Earlier in the day, Mr Putin said Russia’s new weapons have proven their worth in Syria, helping turn the tide of the civil war which has killed hundreds of thousands and left millions forced to flee the country.

Speaking at a meeting with military officials, Mr Putin said that Russian warplanes have flown more than 10,000 combat missions since the air campaign began on September 30. He said they struck more than 30,000 targets, including 200 oil facilities, allowing the Syrian military to drive militants from 500 towns and villages.

Russia has for the first time tested in combat its new air and sea-launched cruise missiles to hit targets in Syria.

“The efficiency and high quality of Russian weapons have been clearly shown in Syria,” Mr Putin said. “The strikes from the air and from the sea on Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist groups have been precise and powerful.

“They have allowed us to achieve a turning point in the fight against the militants, although we realise that the situation there is difficult and there is still a lot for the Syrian army to do.”