It's after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 in a referendum branded illegal by Kiev and the West
ADVERTISEMENTPutin shows his dominance at a rally in Crimea which Russia annexed in 2014 in a referendum branded illegal by Kiev and the West.
It's ahead of the Russian election on Sunday
At Sevastopol, he tells Crimeans, they made an "historic decision" four years ago. Putin says, "You showed with your decision to the entire world what is a real democracy, not a sham one. You came to the referendum and made a decision, voted for your future and the future of your children".
On his way to the city, Putin inspected the completed road section of the Crimea Bridge over the Kerch Strait, linking the penisular with mainland Russia.
This bridge is symbolic, joining Crimea to Russia but Ukraine still controls the northern part of Crimea.
It's hoped it will be finished by the end of the year and is part of Putin's megaprojects.