Thirty-seven minutes of speech mixing anti-Western diatribe and messianic anthem celebrating "great historical Russia".
A rush of vindictive and revanchist declarations interrupted ten times by the applause of hundreds of regime dignitaries gathered in the huge Saint-Georges hall in the Kremlin.
As expected, Vladimir Putin orchestrated with great fanfare Friday the signing of the attachment to Russia of four regions of Ukraine, or about 20% of its territory.
A ceremony which continued with a “patriotic party” on Red Square, where thousands of people had been transported by bus
“Together forever”
, could we read on the giant stage installed under the walls of the Kremlin.
Vladimir Putin made an appearance there.
“Russia opens its heart.
Welcome home,”
Vladimir Putin said.
Artists and rock bands in favor of the “special military operation” in Ukraine followed one another there while the presenters competed in dithyrambs on the
“great multinational Russia”
and love.
Find the analysis of our correspondent in Moscow, Alain Barluet:
Putin pits Russia against the West
Vladimir Poutine.
GRIGORY SYSOYEV/AFP
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