Gerasimov was one of the two main targets of a short-lived rebellion that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched against the conventional army last month.

In a video from the Russian ministry of defence, officials briefed Gerasimov on a Ukrainian attempt to strike Russia and the annexed Crimean peninsula on Sunday.

General Viktor Afzalov told Gerasimov that Russia's air defence downed three Ukrainian S-200 missiles.

"There are no victims or damage," Afzalov said.

The missiles were aimed at the Kerch bridge linking Russia to Crimea, and the Morozovsk airfield in the border region of Rostov.

Two other missiles were disabled electronically, Gerasimov was told.

Gerasimov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had for months been the targets of fierce criticism from Prigozhin, leading up to the attempted rebellion.

Since the failed mutiny, speculation has been rife that there could be a reshuffle among Russia's military leadership.

Uncertainty remains over the fate of general Sergei Surovikin, who is perceived as being sympathetic to Wagner.

The footage released Monday did not show Surovikin, who officially remains Gerasimov's deputy, and the commander of Russia's aerospace forces.