Putin visits Crimea to mark 5th anniversary of annexation
Russian President attended launch of new power plants
18 March, 15:09Russia's modernization effort has included the construction of a 19-kilometer (11.8-mile) bridge which opened last year across the Kerch Strait that links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
The $3.6-billion project gave Crimea a land link to Russia.
Previously, ties between the two depended on a ferry crossing that was often interrupted by gales. Russia's annexation of Crimea drew U.S. and EU sanctions against Russia. On Monday, NATO and the European Union reaffirmed their strong condemnation of the land grab. NATO allies said in a statement that "we strongly condemn this act, which we do not and will not recognize." They also criticized Russia's military buildup in Crimea and alleged rights abuses including "arbitrary detentions, arrest, and torture" against members of the Crimean Tartar community. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said "we stand in full solidarity with Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity." (ANSA-AP).