Russian President Vladimir Putin marked the ninth anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine by touring the region, just hours after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him, accusing him of war crimes.
The timing of the visit appeared to be a defiant gesture against the global legal institutions that Putin has frequently ignored.
The ICC charged Putin with individual responsibility for the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
However, Moscow responded with total disregard for the charges, pointing out that the ICC has no jurisdiction over Russia.
Despite the legal challenge, Putin seemed unfazed as he continued with his planned tour of Crimea.
