Putin limps stiffly with head bowed down in first sighting since arrest warrant

18 March 2023 , 19:38

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Putin limps stiffly with head bowed down in first sighting since arrest warrant

Vladimir Putin has made his first public appearance since a warrant was issued for his arrest over alleged war crimes.

The Russian leader was seen walking with a prominent limp in annexed Crimea as he went to open a school and children's art centre in the disputed territory of Ukraine.

The region, home to 2.4m people, was annexed by Putin's troops in 2014 in an illegal move.

A short clip published by Kremlin-run social media network VK showed the 70-year-old tyrant walking with his head bowed surrounded by aides as he attended the opening in the port city of Sevastopol.

Despite looking uncomfortable as he walked he forced a chilling smirk.

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(Uncredited/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

The event came as Russia marks the ninth anniversary of Putin's seizing of Crimea, which saw pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, forced from power.

Following the invasion, Russia attempted to deny responsibility for the fighting which it attributed to Crimean self-defence troops.

Putin later admitted, however, he had ordered Russian troops to the region in a move which is illegal under international law.

Vladimir Putin, left, and Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev visit the Children's Art and Aesthetic center in Sevastopol, Crimea (Uncredited/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

His appearance comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) this week issued arrest warrants for both him and Russia's Minister for Children, Maria Lvova-Belova, over allegations of deporting from Ukraine to Russia.

The allegations date back to February last year when Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.

Susie Beever