Putin Addresses Rally-Concert in Honor of Crimea's Reunion with Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at a rally-concert held at Luzhniki, dedicated to the eighth anniversary of Crimea's return to Russia.

The key statements made by the Russian leader focused on Crimea. “On their own land—with a shared destiny—that’s what people were thinking and how they were guided when they went to the referendum in Crimea and Sevastopol on March 18, 2014. They lived and continue to live on their own territory. And they wanted to live in their historical homeland—with Russia. They had every right to do this and achieved their goal,” said the president.

According to Putin, the residents of Crimea and Sevastopol acted rightly when they firmly erected a barrier against neo-Nazis and extreme nationalists. Because what has happened in other regions and is still occurring is the best evidence of this.

“During this period, Russia has done a lot to elevate Crimea and Sevastopol. It was necessary to do things that are not immediately visible to the naked eye. They are fundamental—gas supply, energy supply, utility services, restoration of the road network, construction of new roads, highways, and bridges,” the president noted.