Putin Takes a Victory Lap in Crimea and Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin took a short trip to Crimea today, his first since Russia annexed the small peninsula to the south of Ukraine in March.
His visit falls on the 69th anniversary of Victory Day, Russia's celebration of defeating Nazi Germany. It's also the 70th anniversary of Crimeans liberating themselves from Hitler's rule.
Putin arrived in Crimea at the naval port of Sevastopol only hours after a Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square. The first vehicle in a procession to ho**r the holiday featured a huge Crimean flag, according to the*New York Times, continuing the Russian government's theme of equating its annexation of Crimea with the defeat of fascists. Read more...