An Attempt To Defy: Vladimir Putin Visits Ukrainian Cities of Mariupol & Sevastopol

Russian President, Vladimir Putin surprised the annexed city of Mariupol and Sevastopol, Ukraine with his visit. The city was seized last year after a very destructive siege. Putin made the visit on Saturday but it was announced a day later, only after he left the place.

It is the very first time that the Russian President came so close to the war’s front line. On the contrary, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made regular visits to the front line, throughout the war. A video was distributed by Kremlin which featured his visit to the cities

The ICC (International Criminal Court) issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, on Friday for the “unlawful deportation” of Ukranian children and the “unlawful transfer” of those children to Russia. Hence, it seems to be an act of defiance of his previous actions. Mr. Putin is yet to comment publicly on the ICC warrant, but his trip into Ukrainian territory claimed by Russia was seen by some observers as an act of defiance.

Also Read: Vladimir Putin Behind The Bars?

About the visit of Vladimir Putin

The video featured the Russian President driving in the city of Sevastopol. Mr. Putin was driving a black SUV at night while traveling through the roads in the city. Surprisingly, he even stopped at a red light, which is very rare for a state leader. A part of the video also showed him passing through destroyed areas of the city with military guards at work.

On the other side, Putin traveled to Mariupol in a helicopter and again drove a vehicle along the city’s roads. He even took a halt at several places. During this entire visit, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin was taking notes on the regeneration of the city and its suburb.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the port city of Mariupol, Russian state news agencies reported Sunday. It was his first trip to the Ukrainian territory that Moscow illegally annexed in September. https://t.co/8ByYASsA6P pic.twitter.com/rI2ewGblmq

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 19, 2023

Russia said…

Media reports said, “Our president knows how to surprise. In the end, the president came personally by car. He was at the wheel himself. On such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and the people of Sevastopol. Our country has an incredible leader.”