Putin visited Mariupol after Crimea: Kremlin
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Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to Mariupol after its accession.
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![Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, visits the Children's Art and Aesthetic center in Sevastopol, Crimea, Saturday, March 18, 2023 [Sputnik, Kremlin Press Service Pool Photo via AP]](https://media-en.almayadeen.net/archive/image/2023/3/19/10ed8756-8a07-4d19-8ef8-febca053f973.jpg)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, visits the Children's Art and Aesthetic center in Sevastopol, Crimea, Saturday, March 18, 2023 (AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the city of Mariupol, the Kremlin's press service said Sunday, as per Russian news agencies.
It is worth noting that this is Putin's first visit to the port city after its accession. The Russian President, who arrived in Mariupol by helicopter, drove around the city and stopped to speak with citizens, as per TASS news agency.
Putin arrived in Crimea on Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the region's incorporation into Russia, visiting newly opened historical and architectural sites on the peninsula, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
"Today, on the anniversary of Crimea's reunification with Russia, [Russian President] Vladimir Putin has traveled to the region. In particular, he visited the Tauric Chersonese National Park and its new sites," Peskov said.
Furthermore, Peskov revealed that Putin was accompanied by Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Ravozhayev.
Crimea became part of Russia following a referendum held in March 2014, in which nearly 96% of Crimeans voted for accession to Russia.
While Ukraine still considers the peninsula to be its own territory, Russia has repeatedly stressed that the decision made by the Crimean people was in full compliance with international law and the UN Charter.
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Crimea issue is "closed".
