President Vladimir Putin made unannounced visits to Crimea and the Ukrainian city of Mariupol at the weekend for what were termed “reunification” events, nine years after Russia’s 2014 annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine.
Putin had earlier been expected to take part in the day’s ceremonies via video link, according to his spokesman, but was shown on state TV strolling in Sevastopol, Crimea’s biggest city. The president then flew into Mariupol in Donetsk Province, state news outlet Tass reported on Sunday.
The Crimea trip included the opening of a children’s art school and a visit to a youth center, according to Interfax. Putin reviewed reconstruction and restoration work in Mariupol, Tass said. The city was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles since Russia invaded Ukraine last year.
