Putin visits Crimea amid deadly clashes

(Vatican Radio) Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Crimea on Friday to participate in Victory Day celebrations, marking his first visit to the peninsula since Russia annexed it from Ukraine. Putin's tour through the port city of Sevastopol came amid ongoing deadly clashes in Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and supporters of Ukrainian unity.


Putin was among those watching a massive air and naval show featuring 70 aircraft, to represent the 70th anniversary of Sevastopol's liberation by Soviet forces during World War Two. More than 200,000 people had lost their lives in the fighting.


His controversial visit underscored Russia's control over Crimea. Putin, who arrived by sea, praised the Black Sea Fleet.


"Greetings comrades," he said. The Servicemen responded, "Greetings commander". He congratulated them for "the great victory" during World War Two.

DEADLY CLASHES
The military parades, held each year to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany, came amid soaring tensions in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists are planning a weekend referendum on independence.

Ukrainian officials said Friday that at least three people were killed and 25 injured in clashes between pro-Russians separatists and Ukrainian government forces in the troubled southeastern city of Mariupol, following deadly fighting elsewhere in the region.


But despite the bloodshed, tens of thousands of people in Crimea chanted "Russia!", "Victory!" and "Thank you!"


Some 1,000 troops, 60 military vehicles, thousands of veterans and other groups passed by for more than two hours.

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos: