Vladimir Putin visits captured Ukrainian metropolis for first time since invading

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a captured Ukrainian metropolis on Sunday for the primary time since invading the nation final yr.

Putin made an unannounced journey to the coastal metropolis of Mariupol, a metropolis Russian forces decreased to close ruins with artillery fireplace earlier within the invasion. Footage exhibits Putin driving across the metropolis at night time whereas Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin explains the efforts Russian forces are taking to rebuild town.

Putin’s regime has touted the rebuilding efforts in Mariupol as proof of its declare to be liberating Ukrainians from fascistic leaders.

Mariupol noticed a few of the most dramatic and intense combating of the early months of Russia’s invasion, with Ukrainian forces holding out in a metal manufacturing facility after Russian forces had all however taken town. Ukraine’s troopers finally surrendered in May.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin waves to native residents after visiting their new flat throughout his go to to Mariupol within the Russian-controlled Donetsk area of Ukraine. (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin drive a automotive throughout their go to to Mariupol. Putin traveled to Crimea to mark the ninth anniversary of the Black Sea peninsula’s annexation from Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks with native residents throughout his go to to Mariupol. 

Putin’s go to got here simply days after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him over the kidnapping of Ukrainian kids away from their households final week.

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The ICC warrant has little real-world affect, nevertheless, given the court docket’s restricted jurisdiction. The transfer was instantly dismissed by Moscow.

Putin will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow later this week, with China trying to barter peace phrases between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed skepticism of China’s entrance to the peacemaking scene however stated he’s open to dialogue.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Moscow later this week. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo by way of AP)

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Xi is predicted to have a telephone name with Zelenskyy someday after his go to to Moscow. Such a name can be the primary private interplay for the pair since earlier than Putin’s invasion.