Putin Visits Russian-Occupied Mariupol

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city captured by Russian forces last year, on Saturday. Putin reportedly visited buildings, drove through the city at night, and spoke with residents.

According to Russian state news, TASS, Putin’s visit to Donbass, an eastern Ukrainian region, was his first-ever visit. While there, he received a report from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin on efforts to rebuild the port city.

However, news of Putin’s visit came just one day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes, including the abduction of children, during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, criticized Putin on Twitter, calling him “the murderer of thousands of Mariupol families” and criticizing his lack of remorse.

Since its “special military operation” on Ukraine began in February 2022, Russia has seized roughly a quarter of Ukraine. However, the Ukrainians have been able to resist with the support of a coalition of countries led by the United States, including lethal aid and sanctions against Russia.

Mariupol has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, as well as a site of devastating violence, including the bombing of a maternity hospital. Russian forces captured the city in May 2022.

Putin’s visit to Mariupol and Donbass is seen by many as a clear indication of Russia’s continued aggression towards Ukraine and disregard for international law.

From Putin Visits Russian-Occupied Mariupol

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