Ukraine war: Putin pays visit to occupied Mariupol, state media reports
Posted on AllSides March 19th, 2023
From The Center
Russian President Vladimir Putin has paid a surprise visit to Mariupol, a Ukrainian port captured by Russia after its forces pounded much of it to ruins.
An official video shows Mr Putin driving a car through streets at night and speaking to people. The Kremlin says it happened late on Saturday.
It is believed to be his first trip to a newly-occupied Ukrainian territory.
Mariupol's exiled mayor told BBC News that Mr Putin was a "criminal" who had "returned to the scene of the crime".
"He has come in person...