tens of thousands of Russians today focuses on red square to celebrate the annexation of the Ukrainian regions Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson Y Zaporizhiaconvicted for Ukraine and much of the international community.
“People’s choice. Together forever” is the name of the rally concert called by the authorities in front of the Kremlin walls, in which Russian President Vladimir Putin briefly attended.
“We are stronger because we are together. The truth is on our side. And in truth is strength. And that means victory will be ours,” Putin said on the stage set up to celebrate the annexation.
Putin stressed that the Russians not only open “the doors of your home‘ to the pro-Russians from the east and south and from Ukraine, but also to their ‘hearts“.
“Welcome home!” he announced.
Tens of thousands of people also gathered on the banks of the river Moscow and on the bridge leading to the square around which traffic had stopped hours before.
“We’ve waited a long time. We are very grateful to Russia that we exist. live Russia! long live the Donbass! It’s our life. Finally our children can live in freedom,” they commented on Efe Natalie and GalinaPensioners from Donetsk.
Alongside musicians and other performers, separatist leaders from the four annexed Ukrainian regions also performed on stage.
“Donbass will not abandon the Motherland. Donbass needs the victory. Russia forever,” he said. Denis Pushilinthe pro-Russian leader of Donetsk.
These leaders signed the relevant accession treaties with Putin today during a solemn ceremony in the Kremlin.
The pro-Russian leader of Lugansk, Leonid passport techniquethanked Putin and the Russian people for supporting his separatist aspirations over the past eight years.
“Together we brought people back to their homes,” said Yevgueni Balitski, leader of Zaporizhia.
The stage included large screens with the Russian tricolor and St. Basil’s Cathedral in the background.
“I feel joy and pride. We have reclaimed our territories. What will happen? We will defend these areas,” Konstantín told Efe before attending the event.
The square’s cobblestones were flooded with Russians of all ages with Russian flags chanting the names of the four annexed regions.
Not all support the annexation. One man who defined himself as an “avatar” lamented that “human stupidity has long thrived in the world.”
“I didn’t know, I didn’t know. I just found out from you. If everything is cleaned, then all is well. If not, then bad,” recognized Igor at the exit of a subway entrance leading to the square.
Several Russian and pro-Russian musicians entertained the crowd, some even dressed up as soldiers with medals on their chests.
“It’s a very complicated situation, but you could see it coming. These are regions historically very close to Russia, so the conflict was inevitable,” said Iván, a Colombian national who has lived in Russia for three years.
With information from EFE