Putin collects thousands of people to the stadium: Commendation in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin today has delivered a speech to thousands present at Lujzyniki Stadium, gathered to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the Crimea annexation, writes the BBC, past Periscope.

The stadium was filled with Russian flags and with the letter "Zez," which has also become the symbol of the conquest.

Putin praised the special operation in Ukraine, stressing that its goal is to protect local residents from genocide.

To electrify the move, it called: “Forward Russia! ”