Russian leader , Vladimir Putin, 70, was seen limping as he made a surprise visit to Crimea, the annexed territory of Ukraine on Saturday, March 18.
It was the first time the Russian strong man had been seen publicly after the International Criminal Court issues an arrest warrant for him on Friday.
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Putin was seen with Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of occupied Sevastopol, surrounded by six bulky bodyguards who wore bullet proof jackets.
Putin appeared to be in discomfort when he walked in contrast to earlier appearances this week in Moscow and Siberian city Ulan-Ude.
Putin was in the city to mark the ninth anniversary of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
‘Our President Vladimir Putin knows how to surprise in a good way,’ said the governor.
‘Vladimir Vladimirovich came himself, driving.
‘Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and Sevastopol residents. Our country has an incredible leader.’
Watch video below:
Vladimir Putin is seen for first time since being issued with an arrest warrant by the ICC.
The Russian president visited an art school and a children's centre in Crimea to mark the anniversary of the region's annexation from Ukraine.
Read more: https://t.co/KwaD4eC1pN pic.twitter.com/Ktt3udz2ty
— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 18, 2023
#BREAKING Putin visit annexed Crimea, a day after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him, for marking the ninth year to its annexation from #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/v0REgTmVxp
— Guy Elster (@guyelster) March 18, 2023