Putin in Mariupol: Russian leader visits occupied Ukrainian city

Russian state media have reported that President Vladimir Putin has paid a surprise visit to Mariupol, a Ukrainian port city that was captured by Russian forces after they reduced much of it to rubble.

In an official video, the Russian President can be seen driving a car through the streets at night and visiting various places.

It is understood Mr Putin was visiting the city’s Philharmonic Hall – the same building the UN had warned about was used to stage trials of Ukrainian troops who had been holding out for months against Russian forces at Mariupol’s massive Azovstal Iron and Steel Works resisted.

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