Putin hails 'return' of annexed Ukrainian territories

"As for Novorossiya, as for the Donbas, the people living there ... declared their desire to return to their native family. Their way back to their homeland turned out to be harder, more tragic, but nevertheless, we did it," Putin told crowds on t...

By AFP | Updated: Mar 18, 2024, 10.32 PM IST

Russian incumbent President Vladimir Putin, who was declared winner of the presidential election by the country's electoral commission, delivers a speech during a rally, which marks the 10th anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia, March 18, 2024. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Ukrainian territories annexed by Russia had "returned" to their homeland as he attended a Red Square concert following his election victory.

"As for Novorossiya, as for the Donbas, the people living there ... declared their desire to return to their native family. Their way back to their homeland turned out to be harder, more tragic, but nevertheless, we did it," Putin told crowds on the tenth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea.

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