Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit tonight (Sunday) to Mariupol, the port city in southern Ukraine that was occupied by the Russians, according to reports in the Russian state media.
An official video showed Putin driving a car through the streets at night, visiting a concert hall.
This is Putin's first visit to the territory occupied this year by the Russian army.
According to the TASS news agency, he arrived at the scene by helicopter and met with local residents.
Vladimir Putin in Sevastopol, Crimea (Photo: Reuters)
Vladimir Putin in Sevastopol (Photo: Reuters)
Vladimir Putin with the Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razbobiev (Photo: Reuters)
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In the video, the President of Russia is seen in a car with Deputy Prime Minister Marat Husnulin, who explains to him how the city is being rebuilt.
Putin was also seen visiting the Philharmonic Hall, where trials of defendants from the Azovstal steel plant were held.
Putin also met with the commander of his "special military operation" in Ukraine, according to TASS, and with Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. The meeting was held in southern Russia. Mariupol has been under
Russian occupation for 10 months. More than 30,000 people were killed in the fierce battles for the city, According to Ukraine, the UN estimates that 90% of buildings in the city were damaged and about 350,000 people had to leave it, out of a population of 500,000.
"The city center was badly damaged," said Governor Hosnoulin.
"We want to finish the restoration by the middle of next year, at least the facades of the buildings. The city center is very beautiful."
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