Ukraine: Putin Set To Make First Visit To Crimea

Russian President Vladimir Putin could today make his first visit to Crimea since Moscow's annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine.

He is expected to attend an event in Sevastopol to mark the Soviet victory over the Nazis in World War Two - which comes three days ahead of a referendum in eastern Ukraine.

A similar Victory Day parade - marking 69 years since Nazi Germany surrendered its forces - took place in Moscow's Red Square on Friday morning.

About 11,000 servicemen are taking part in the annual event, which began with troops marching to the sound of brass bands as Mr Putin watched from the stands, flanked by veterans.

Mr Putin joined veterans at the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow

"This is a holiday when all-conquering patriotic force triumphs, when we all feel especially strongly what it means to be true to the Motherland and how important it is to be able to stand up for its interests," he told troops to shouts of "Hurrah!"

Some 150 military vehicles and 70 combat aircraft also took part in the show.

Mr Putin's planned trip to Crimea was reported by Russian dailies Kommersant and Gazeta.ru and is being seen as a move to bolster public support amid simmering tensions in Ukraine.

Around 11,000 troops are taking part in the Victory Day parade

The visit "is on the agenda, the issue has to be confirmed with the Kremlin administration," a high-ranking source in the defence ministry told Kommersant.

Mr Putin could travel with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in a rare joint trip after overseeing the Red Square parade, the reports said.

Pro-Russians in eastern Ukraine are pressing ahead with plans to hold referendums on Sunday, despite calls from the Kremlin to postpone them.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (right) salutes during the event

There are fears the vote in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk could spark further violence between Ukrainian troops and separatists.

Militants have already seized government buildings in about a dozen cities in the east of the country.

Mr Putin wants the vote postponed so talks can take place with the Kiev government.

However, many in the east say the referendum is the only way to prevent war against what rebels and Moscow call the "fascist" politicians in the capital.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Ukraine: Putin Set To Make First Visit To Crimea

Dengan url

http://malurasanya.blogspot.com/2014/05/ukraine-putin-set-to-make-first-visit.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Ukraine: Putin Set To Make First Visit To Crimea

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Ukraine: Putin Set To Make First Visit To Crimea

sebagai sumbernya