VILE Vladimir Putin has made a taunting gesture to families of soldiers killed in his war in Ukraine – in a horrific reference to Russia’s barbaric battlefield tactics.

The tyrant sparked outrage after giving meat grinders to bereaved mums, which have commonly been used to describe Russia’s remorseless war strategy.

“Meat grinder” tactics involve Russia forcing scores of cannon fodder troops into the bloody frontline in an attempt to wear down Ukraine, no matter the cost of human lives.

Putin’s “political party” United Russia gave the gifts to mums of killed soldiers in Murmansk, and instantly sparked fury.

Reports indicated a “storm of criticism” over the “heartless” gesture which appeared to mock the troops.

Authorities recorded a bereaved mother thanking them for the present.

She said: “I thank United Russia for the presents, for the beautiful bouquet. 

“And you gave me a meat grinder, which I needed.”

She claimed she had “wanted to buy one”.

The pro-war Defenders of the Fatherland organisation in the Murmansk region said: “Our duty and responsibility is to surround the mothers of the Heroes of the Fatherland with attention and support, not in words, but in deeds.

“We strive to be close to these strong women, share their experiences and provide assistance in difficult times.”

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russia lost 125,800 troops over the course of last autumn, partly due to its “meat-grinder” tactics.

The ISW added that Moscow was losing more than 50 soldiers for each square kilometre of captured ground when brutally shoving scores of troops down into the horrific frontline.

It comes after a “massive” attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure took place overnight, according to the country’s energy minister, which targeted natural gas production facilities.

At least 18 people, including four children, were injured in the attack.

And last night, the port city of Odesa was hit by a “massive drone attack”.