As Russia prepared their annual May 9th Victory Day over Germany celebrations, Sevastopol, Crimea, was greeted with a special visit from Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Each year the military puts on a show with battle ships in the sea and parades. This year, however, things are different because it is the first time that the president has visited the territory since it has been annexed from Ukraine.
According to The New Yorker The end of Facism and memories from World War II resonate with Russia every day. The war caused more than 20 million deaths and has affected almost every Russian family in some way. The country bases everything it does off of this victory.
Nonetheless not everyone shares the same love for Victory Day. There are pro- Russians and pro- Maidans who fight over Facism and the outcome of World war II in several parts of Ukraine. Pro-Russian seperationalists have been plotting a poll this weekend.
Ukraine officials have attempted to down size Victory day celebrations and Russian demonstrations in attempt to prevent violence from erupting. Despite their efforts, several deaths and injured have already occurred.
Fights between the seperationalists and the Ukraine government in Mariupol have caused at least three to be killed and 25 injuries as reported by CNN World.