Kiev: Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a surprise visit to the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, which was captured by the Russian army. It is the first time a Russian president has visited Ukraine since the invasion began. Mariupol has been under Russian control since last May.
News agencies reported that Putin arrived in a helicopter and visited several districts. Footage has also been released of Putin driving through the city. Kremlin clarified that the visit was on Saturday evening. The visit comes after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin for war crimes.
One of the bloodiest cities in the fighting was Mariupol, in Russia’s Donetsk region. Ukrainian authorities say that around 20,000 people have been killed here. It is estimated that 90 percent of the buildings were destroyed and around three and a half lakh people had to flee. There are also reports that Russia is carrying out reconstruction work in the devastated area.
On Saturday, Putin also visited the Crimea region. Crimea is a strategic coastal city annexed from Ukraine to Russia nine years ago.
