Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unexpected trip to Crimea on a Saturday marking the ninth anniversary of the peninsula’s annexation. Moscow is showing force in the region, wary that the fighting in eastern and southern Ukraine could spill over, and aware that Kiev intends to regain control of Crimea.
The Kremlin kept the president’s travel secret until the last moment, even presenting the visit as a video conference engagement. A spokesperson for the Russian presidency, Dmitry Peskov, had initially announced that Putin would participate in the opening of a cultural center via remote connection.
visit in person
In a surprise turn, Putin visited the Art School and Korsun Children’s Center near Sevastopol, which serves as a key base for the Black Sea Fleet. The city of Sevastopol, located near the harbor and part of the peninsula, has been a focal point in the security posture of the region.
According to Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev, officials had prepared for a video conference, but the president chose to appear personally.
“By car, he arrived with a presence that underscored solidarity with the people of Sevastopol,” Razvozhaev stated. “On this historic day, the leader stands with the residents of Sevastopol. Our country has a capable and resolute leader.”
Crimea fortified
Earlier in the week, Crimea’s leadership, headed by Sergei Aksyonov, confirmed that fortifications completed on the peninsula would prevent Ukrainian attempts to seize the region. Local officials emphasized that the measures were taken by order of the president and that the population understood their purpose.
They also noted that specifics could not be disclosed, but stressed that the president’s directive would be carried out. In remarks to a major national publication, officials conveyed confidence that the peninsula would be well defended, and that security would be maintained.
Aksyonov added that fortifications are a preventive measure rather than a response to any immediate threat, concluding that prevention is preferable to remedy.
Fleet takes action
The coast of Crimea reportedly saw exercises by like-minded units from the Russian Black Sea Fleet. A fleet statement indicated that the ship Ingushetia laid training mines on routes potential enemy forces could use around the peninsula, though these mines carried no explosive charges. The exercise was joined by four additional ships from the Black Sea Fleet, signaling a show of readiness along the coast.
On the ground in eastern Ukraine, fighting remained intensely kinetic, with the front lines showing continued disruption and pressure.
Russian troops attack
Russian forces were reported to be attempting encirclement around Avdiivka and Mariinka, two satellite towns near Donetsk, the capital of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. Ukrainian military spokespeople described the assault as unsuccessful, noting significant losses in recent engagements. The fighting was characterized as an ongoing effort to seal off Avdiivka, a city located a few kilometers north of Donetsk’s outskirts.
Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the Donetsk regional military administration, described the destruction in the front-line zone as severe. He cited Avdiivka as nearly ruined and reminded listeners of the broader toll on cities previously considered fortified, including Bakhmut, which he said had suffered extensive damage.
Kyrylenko also explained that the Russian tactic involved squeezing supply lines and applying intense pressure in front-line areas. He noted that the goal was to erode the strategic position rather than to capture every frontline city outright, highlighting the ongoing use of scorched-earth approaches to degrade infrastructure and resilience on the Ukrainian side.