The Kremlin announced on Sunday that Russian President visited occupied Ukrainian port in the city of Mariupol, this follows the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for committing war crimes.
Mariupol known to be the site of one of the war’s longest and bloodiest battles before it was captured by Russia in May 2022 is also one of the four regions annexed by Russia in September 2022 in the Ukraine-Russia war which has claimed many lives and displaced many.
Ukrainian soldiers in an act of solidarity and loyalty resisted Russia’s invasion but were ultimately outnumbered at Mariupol steel plant – a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. This led to Russia’s capturing and annexation of Mariupol.
His visit is first known trip to newly-occupied Ukrainian territory and the closest he’s come to the ‘enemy’s’ front lines where he was seen in a video purporting to be driving in the streets of Mariupol and also visited a rebuilt musical auditorium according to the Kremlin.
In a video conversation, an unknown narrator narrated to president Putin the extent of damage of the town.
We were debating whether (to demolish them or not. In the end, we decided to keep them. We have We want to finish (reconstruction) of the center by the end of the year, at least the facade.
The center is very beautiful. We are approaching it, you’ll see it. Putin met residents at a newly-built apartment complex prepared the construction documentation needed. – Anonymous aide to Putin narrated.
Social media response to Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mariupol
Social media users responded to the post on Instagram describing Putin as a war criminal walking freely.
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Others have described him as a coward who should rather dare to visit another country abroad following his arrest warrant and not in occupied Ukrainian territory
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Watch: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Surprise Visit to Mariupol
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