Russian President Vladimir Putin marked the national Unity Day holiday with a trip to Crimea, declaring the region will always be a part of Russia.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 -- a move that Western countries regard as illegitimate -- in the wake of the overthrow of Ukraine’s Kremlin-friendly president.
Putin exalted the annexation while visiting Sevastopol, the city that is the home port for Russia’s Black Sea fleet.
“Our country has regained its historical unity. This living and unbreakable bond can be especially keenly felt, of course, here, in Sevastopol, in Crimea," said Putin on Thursday.
"They are with Russia forever now, as that is the sovereign, free and unbending will of the people, of all our people.”
Unity Day marks
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