Russian President Vladimir Putin will not take part in any separate events honoring Defenders of Crimea Day. This was conveyed by the Kremlin press secretary, who explained the decision to reporters.
During the press briefing, a journalist asked whether Putin might address the Crimean Spring anniversary or other commemorations tied to the day.
There are no additional public events planned at this time in honor of the holiday, the spokesperson said. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Defenders of Crimea Day is observed on February 26 each year on the Crimean peninsula. The Crimean State Council officially established the date in 2022.
Historically, the period around late February 2014 saw clashes near the Crimean parliament between pro Ukrainian activists and residents who supported distancing from Ukraine. The events are widely cited in discussions about Crimea’s political status and subsequent developments.
On February 26, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that reclaiming Crimea would contribute to restoring peace within Ukraine. In response, Vladimir Konstantinov, the speaker of Crimea’s regional legislature, asserted that Zelensky would be welcome to visit Crimea only to sign Ukraine’s surrender agreement, a remark reflecting ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Moscow over the peninsula. These exchanges are regularly referenced in contemporary analyses of the political conflict surrounding Crimea and its status.
Former Ukrainian intelligence leadership has repeatedly advised caution regarding travel on critical routes such as the Crimean Bridge, emphasizing security considerations and regional political sensitivities that continue to shape public guidance and policy discussions. Attribution: official statements from the Crimean leadership and Ukrainian intelligence channels, as reported by various regional news outlets.