Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to the military headquarters in the eastern regions of Ukraine, which are partly occupied by Russia. During his trip, he attended a military command meeting in the southern Kherson region and heard reports from commanders of the airborne forces and the “Dnieper” army group as well as other senior officers. This marks Putin's second visit to the region in as many months.
Putin also visited National Guard headquarters in Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk region and released a video of this event. Prior to this journey, he was in Moscow for a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu on Sunday. The Kremlin has not disclosed when any of these meetings took place.
In November last year, Russian military forces retreated from these regions; however, troops have since been reinforcing their positions on the opposite bank of the Dnieper River in anticipation of a renewed counteroffensive from Ukraine.
During his visit, President Putin reportedly enquired about developments within Zaporizhzhia—a territory that Moscow also claims as part of Russia. Trips like these undertaken by Russia's leader are infrequent; although he did surprise residents with an appearance at Mariupol back in March 2022.
Since invading Ukraine back in February 2022, Russian troops had managed to capture only one regional capital—Mariupol—before retreating late last year.
According to information provided by Kremlin officials on Tuesday, April 18th: "Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Ukraine’s Kherson and Luhansk regions to meet with military commanders."
This is noteworthy because it signifies that for first time since annexing two other Ukrainian regions along with Kherson and Luhansk last September: "Putin wished troops stationed there a happy Easter", which Orthodox Christians celebrated around Sunday April 16th.
Vladimir Putin's visits demonstrate continued support for occupying troops in the eastern parts of Ukraine's Kherson and Luhansk regions. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the Group of Seven countries—convening in Japan—pledged to support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” in its fight against Russian forces.