Putin, 70, is seen limping in a surprise visit to Crimea

Vladimir Putin was seen limping as he made a surprise visit to Crimea amid claims he was suffering from health problems, a day after issuing a warrant for the Russian leader’s war crimes arrest.

The 70-year-old defied the West and arrived in the annexed Crimea today, according to Russian media reports.

Footage appeared to show Putin at the Sevastopol naval port, which has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian attacks in recent months.

His arrival came a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for war crimes.

Today marks the ninth anniversary of his illegal annexation of Crimea.

Vladimir Putin was seen limping as he made a surprise visit to Crimea amid claims he was suffering from health problems, a day after issuing a warrant for the Russian leader’s war crimes arrest

The 70-year-old defied the West and arrived in the annexed Crimea today, according to Russian media reports

Footage appeared to show the dictator at the Sevastopol naval port, which has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian attacks in recent months

Putin was seen with his groundsman, Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of occupied Sevastopol, surrounded by six hulking bodyguards who appeared to be wearing bulletproof jackets.

The 70-year-old leader appeared uncomfortable as he went for a walk in Moscow and the Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, in contrast to previous appearances this week.

Apparently he arrived at the port – the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet – in a black Toyota Land Cruiser.

Also with him was Orthodox Bishop Tikhon Shevkunov, Putin’s personal confessor, who has compared the dictator to Tsar Peter the Great

Putin was seen with his groundsman, Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of occupied Sevastopol, surrounded by six hulking bodyguards who appeared to be wearing bulletproof jackets

“Our President Vladimir Putin knows how to surprise positively,” said the governor.

He should have appeared for a video conference but turned up unexpectedly on the disputed peninsula, the governor, who is unrecognized by the West, said.

“Vladimir Vladimirovich himself came and drove.

“Because on such a historic day, the President is always with Sevastopol and the residents of Sevastopol. Our country has an incredible leader.”

Also with him was Orthodox Bishop Tikhon Shevkunov, Putin’s personal confessor, who has compared the dictator to Tsar Peter the Great.

Unlike other appearances – notably on Friday – in Sevastopol, Putin was spotted close to other people as he addressed oligarchs and business leaders from afar.

The trip came amid claims in some quarters that Putin is suffering from health problems and is using body doubles – doubles – for some appearances during the war he unleashed against Ukraine a year ago.

Putin was spotted visiting the Korsun Children’s Center in Sevastopol.

It is his first visit to the annexed peninsula in three years.

Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk