Putin marks Russia's Unity Day in Crimea, Ukraine protests

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech as he visits a monument, dedicated to the end of the Civil War of 1917-1922, on Russia's Unity Day in Sevastopol, Crimea November 4, 2021. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS

MOSCOW/KYIV (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin celebrated Russia's National Unity Day on Thursday with a visit to annexed Crimea, drawing a sharp protest from Ukraine.

Speaking in Sevastopol, home to the Russian Black Sea fleet, Putin said the city and Crimea "are now forever with Russia".