Putin, 70, is seen LIMPING as he makes surprise visit to Crimea
Putin, 70, is seen making a surprise visit to Crimea amid claims he has health problems a day after a war crimes warrant was issued for the Russian leader
- Vladimir Putin, 70, was seen limping on a surprise visit to Crimea today
- An arrest warrant for war crimes was issued against the Russian leader on Friday
Vladimir Putin was seen limping as he made a surprise visit to Crimea amid claims he had health problems, a day after a war crimes warrant was issued for the Russian leader.
The 70-year-old braved the West and arrived today in annexed Crimea, according to Russian media reports.
There appeared to be footage showing Putin in the naval port of Sevastopol, which has been the target of repeated Ukrainian attacks in recent months.
His arrival came a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him on war crimes charges.
Today is the ninth anniversary of his illegal annexation of Crimea.
Vladimir Putin was seen limping as he made a surprise visit to Crimea amid claims he has health problems, a day after a war crimes warrant was issued for the Russian leader
The 70-year-old defied the West and arrived today in annexed Crimea, according to Russian media reports
There appeared to be images of the dictator in the naval port of Sevastopol, who has been the target of repeated Ukrainian attacks in recent months
Putin was seen with his deputy Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of occupied Sevastopol, surrounded by six burly bodyguards, apparently wearing body armor.
The 70-year-old leader seemed uncomfortable as he walked in Moscow and the Siberian city of Ulan-Ude in contrast to previous appearances this week.
He apparently arrived at the port – the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet – in a black Toyota Land Cruiser.
Also with him was Orthodox bishop Tikhon Shevkunov, Putin’s personal confessor who compared the dictator to Tsar Peter the Great.
Putin was seen with his deputy Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of occupied Sevastopol, surrounded by six fat bodyguards apparently wearing body armor
“Our president Vladimir Putin knows how to surprise in a good way,” said the governor.
He was supposed to appear on a video conference, but unexpectedly appeared on the disputed peninsula, said the governor, who is not recognized by the West.
“Vladimir Vladimirovich came driving himself.
“Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and the people of Sevastopol. Our country has an incredible leader.’
Also with him was Orthodox bishop Tikhon Shevkunov, Putin’s personal confessor who compared the dictator to Tsar Peter the Great.
Putin was seen close to other people in Sevastopol, unlike other appearances – particularly on Friday – when he addressed oligarchs and business leaders from a distance.
The trip came amid allegations in some circles that Putin has health problems and used body doublers – doppelgängers – for some performances during the war he unleashed on Ukraine a year ago.
Putin visited the Korsun Children’s Center in Sevastopol.
It is his first visit to the annexed peninsula in three years.
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