Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Crimea on Friday to take part in Victory Day celebrations in Sevastopol, in what is his first visit to the disputed territory since Russia annexed it from Ukraine. The President arrived in the port of Sevastopol by sea, in an event televised by Russian state TV, and watched while flanked by senior officers as Russian warships took part in a naval display in the Black Sea. The military parades, held each year to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany, come amid soaring tensions in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists are planning a weekend referendum on autonomy.
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Health officials say at least seven people killed and 39 more injured in clashes in Mariupol
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Ukraine's acting interior minister says about 20 militants killed, 4 detained in Mariupol
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"We will overcome all the difficulties," says Russian President Vladimir Putin
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Putin watches as warships and military aircraft take part in displays in Sevastopol, Crimea
A large majority in Sevastopol, as well as across the @placeholder, voted in favor of seceding from Ukraine and joining Russia in a controversial referendum in March.