One year after incorporation
Putin promises reconstruction of annexed territories
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A year ago, Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions after pseudo-elections. However, the Kremlin has still not completely conquered it. On the contrary, Kyiv is liberating some areas. Nevertheless, Russian President Putin announces the reconstruction of Donetsk and Co.
On the first anniversary of the annexation of the four Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin promised the reconstruction of the war-torn regions. “Schools, hospitals, residential buildings and streets, museums and monuments” would be rebuilt and rebuilt, Putin said in a video message released by the Kremlin. All Russian regions provided their “brotherly assistance” in reconstruction.
Putin signed agreements on admission to the Russian Federation with the occupying chiefs of the four regions on September 30, 2022, in violation of international law and internationally unrecognized referendums. Ukraine continues to wage a counteroffensive to liberate the territories from Russian occupation.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us and the solution of difficult tasks, the implementation of a major program of reconstruction and socio-economic development of our historical regions,” Putin continued in the clip. “And we will definitely achieve our goals.”
Thousands of people celebrated the anniversary of the annexation on Red Square in Moscow on Friday. At a concert, many people waved Russian flags, sang and chanted: “Russia” while a large screen advertised the slogan “One Country, One Family, One Russia.” Exactly a year ago, “historical justice triumphed,” said one of the speakers to the audience in front of the stage. Russia will not let its people down. “We are one country,” he said.
Putin: “We are one people”
The Russian president called the annexation of the territories, which was not recognized by any country in the world, a “historic and fateful event.” He thanked the people of the territories whose determination had made Russia even stronger. “We are one people. And together we will overcome everything, find an answer to all challenges,” said Putin.
Even after more than a year and a half of war, Russia does not completely control any of the four annexed regions. Ukraine also managed to recapture parts of the territory with military help from the West as part of its counter-offensive that has been ongoing for months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the liberation of all occupied regions of the country, including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Russia's war goal is to bring the four annexed territories completely under its control. In addition, the nuclear power wants to hold Crimea with all the means at its disposal.
