Russia president, Vladimir Putin, 70, was seen limping as he made a surprise visit to Crimea on Saturday, March 18, for marking the ninth year to its annexation from Ukraine.
It was the first time the Russian strong man had been seen publicly after the International Criminal Court issues an arrest warrant for him on Friday.
Footage appeared to show Putin in naval port Sevastopol which has been targeted by repeated Ukrainian strikes in recent months.
The Russian president visited an art school and a children’s center in Crimea to mark the anniversary of the region’s annexation from Ukraine.
Putin was accompanied with Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of occupied Sevastopol, surrounded by six bulky bodyguards who wore bullet proof jackets.
Putin appeared visibly to be in discomfort when he walked in contrast to earlier appearances this week in Moscow and Siberian city Ulan-Ude.
‘Our President Vladimir Putin knows how to surprise in a good way,’ said the governor.
‘Vladimir Vladimirovich came himself, driving.
‘Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and Sevastopol residents. Our country has an incredible leader.’
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