Road signs in Russian have been erected around the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, replacing those in Ukrainian and English, pro-Russian separatist authorities in the region said.
Russia denies wanting to occupy Ukrainian territories, but has recognized the independence of two separatist regions, officially launching its offensive against its neighbor on February 24 in the name of the defense of Russians and Russian speakers in these areas. For Moscow’s adversaries, it would be a first step towards annexation.
This week, the Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration, Sergei Kirienko, visited Mariupol and its region. “At each stage, there were discussions with the population, who (…) want to have confirmation that Russia has returned forever”, commented on his Telegram channel the leader of the separatists, Denis Pushilin, who accompanied the head of the Kremlin.