Presiding over a triumphant spectacle of warships and fighter jets, President Vladimir Putin hailed the return of Crimea to Russia as the restoration of "historic justice" before a jubilant, welcoming crowd May 9 on the holiday that Russians hold dearest to their hearts. Yet Putin's first trip to the Black Sea peninsula since its annexation in March was strongly criticized by both NATO and Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, which said it trampled on Ukraine's sovereignty and international law.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Associated Press: Putin hails ‘return’ of Crimea; fighting kills 20
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his visit to the Crimean port of Sevastopol on May 9, 2014. Putin's visit to Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in March, is a \"flagrant violation\" of Ukraine's sovereignty, authorities in Kiev said today.AFP PHOTO/ YURI KADOBNOV
