Russian President Vladimir Putin said Crimea had been "returned to its home country" during a visit to the recently annexed peninsula Friday for Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
His visit to the Black Sea peninsula was a bullish signal of defiance to the U.S. and Europe, both of whom condemned Moscow's annexation of the region in March as illegal under international law.
Putin traveled there for the 69th anniversary of Victory Day, marking Nazi Germany's capitulation to the Soviet Union in 1945. This year's celebrations have been the most prominent in decades, boosted by the acquisition of Crimea and Putin's strongman stance over Ukraine.The Russian leader told veterans at the parade in Crimea's largest city Sevastapol that the region was "returned to its home country thanks to their great moral contribution."
