In Photos: Russia Marks 9 Years of Crimea Annexation Amid Full-Scale Invasion
Nine years ago on Saturday, Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in a move that brought widespread international backlash and sanctions.
Over the past nine years, the anniversary has typically been celebrated in Russia with events that culminate in a major concert and rally where President Vladimir Putin speaks.
But this year, amid the war in Ukraine, a series of small events were held across the country in lieu of the Kremlin's traditional rally in Moscow.
Putin meanwhile made a surprise visit to the Crimean city of Sevastopol.
Here's a look at some of the events held in Russia to mark the annexation's anniversary:
Over the past nine years, the anniversary has typically been celebrated in Russia with events that culminate in a major concert and rally where President Vladimir Putin speaks.
But this year, amid the war in Ukraine, a series of small events were held across the country in lieu of the Kremlin's traditional rally in Moscow.
Putin meanwhile made a surprise visit to the Crimean city of Sevastopol.
Here's a look at some of the events held in Russia to mark the annexation's anniversary:
A cadet in St. Petersburg attends events marking the ninth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Valentin Yegorshin / TASS
People in St. Petersburg unfurl the Russian flag as part of events marking the ninth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Valentin Yegorshin / TASS
Alexander Zaldostanov (nicknamed Khirurg), the leader of pro-Kremlin motorcycle club the Night Wolves, attends events near Mount Gasfort in Crimea.
Andrei Rubtsov / TASS
A motorcycle takes part in a motor rally in Simferopol.
Andrei Rubtsov / TASS
Zaldostanov takes part in a tree-planting ceremony in honor of heroes of the so-called "Russian Spring" near Mount Gasfort in Crimea.
Andrei Rubtsov / TASS
A tag on a St. George's ribbon with the name of Darya Dugina, the murdered daughter of far-right ideologue Alexander Dugin, is seen as people plant trees for the "Russian Forest."
Andrei Rubtsov / TASS
People wave flags in Simferopol, Crimea.
Andrei Rubtsov / TASS
President Putin, left, with Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev and Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov), chairman of the Patriarchal Council on Culture, during a visit to the Chersonesos Taurica historical and archaeological park in Sevastopol.
Anna Sadovnikova / kremlin.ru
Young pro-Kremlin activists attend a rally in front of the British Embassy in Moscow on March 18.
Hundreds of pro-Kremlin activists rallied outside the Moscow embassies of several countries to protest the West's backing of Ukraine on the ninth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Hundreds of pro-Kremlin activists rallied outside the Moscow embassies of several countries to protest the West's backing of Ukraine on the ninth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Yuri Kadobnov / AFP
Schoolchildren unfurl a Russian national flag and set off flares in Russian national colors atop Mount Aq Qaya.
Crimea Communications Ministry / TASS
