According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, March 18, he made a “working visit” to the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov. This is Putin’s first trip to Russian-occupied territory since the start of a full-scaleRussian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
According to the information of the Kremlin press service, circulated on the night of March 19, the Russian leader arrived in Mariupol by helicopter and got acquainted with the situation in the destroyed city and the progress of restoration work during a car tour. In addition, it is reported that Putin talked with the residents of the city.
On Saturday, Putin also visitedCrimean peninsulawhich was annexed by Russia in violation of international law in 2014.
In 2022, Mariupol was first besieged by Russian troops, and in May it was taken under full control. The city was largely destroyed during the fighting.
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