(ANSA-AP) - MOSCOW, 18 MAR - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday marked the fifth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine by visiting the Black Sea peninsula. Putin began his trip by attending the launch of new power plants in Crimea, part of Moscow's efforts to upgrade the region's infrastructure. Ukraine has cut off energy supplies to the peninsula and blocked shipments of Crimea-bound cargo via its territory after Moscow annexed the region in 2014. "The situation has changed radically," Putin said, adding that the new power facilities will fully cover Crimea's needs.

Russia'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).