Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to the Ukrainian city of Mariupol on Friday, March 17th, 2023, marking the first time he has set foot on Ukrainian soil since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Putin's visit comes at a time of heightened tension between Russia and Ukraine, as well as growing concerns about Russia's military buildup on the border.
The visit was not announced in advance, and many in Mariupol were surprised to see Putin's motorcade passing through their city. The Russian president was accompanied by a large entourage, including top officials from the Kremlin and the Russian military.
Putin's visit to Mariupol was reportedly aimed at demonstrating Russia's commitment to the peace process in Ukraine, and to reassure the Russian-speaking population in the region that they have Moscow's support. In a brief statement to reporters, Putin said that he hoped his visit would "help to build trust and confidence between Russia and Ukraine, and to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict in the Donbass region."
However, Putin's visit was met with protests from Ukrainian activists and politicians, who accused the Russian president of being an aggressor and an occupier. Some protesters held signs reading "Putin Go Home" and "Russia Out of Ukraine," while others burned Russian flags and chanted anti-Russian slogans.
The Ukrainian government also condemned Putin's visit, calling it a "provocation" and accusing Russia of trying to destabilize the situation in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Kyiv at the time of Putin's visit, issued a statement saying that he had no plans to meet with the Russian president.
The visit to Mariupol comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine are at their highest point in years. In recent weeks, Ukraine has reported an increase in fighting in the Donbass region, and there are growing concerns that Russia may be preparing to launch a new offensive. The Ukrainian government has also accused Russia of massing troops along the border, and has called on the international community to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty.
The situation in Ukraine is likely to remain tense in the coming weeks and months, as both Russia and Ukraine continue to pursue their interests in the region. Putin's visit to Mariupol may have been intended as a show of strength, but it is unlikely to do much to ease tensions between the two countries.
