24 hours after the admission of the Ukrainian leadership that it is losing the “war” in the east of the country, where the occupation of government buildings by Russian-speaking separatists continues unabated, the Russian media report that on May 9, Vladimir Putin will make his first official visit to Crimea since Russia annexed the territory. In an effort to boost his popularity in the region and also to strengthen the patriotic feeling of the Russian (and Russian-speaking) population, the President will visit the strategic peninsula.
According to information released by Russian newspapers “Kommersant” and “Gazeta”, the Russian President will attend a military parade as part of the commemorative events to celebrate the Soviet victory in the Second World War.

Putin will visit Crimea after attending the military parade at the Red Square for the 69th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi troops. According to the newspaper “Kommersant”, Putin will travel to Crimea accompanied by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
Meanwhile, from Peru where he is visiting, Russian Foreign Minister suggested that a dialogue be launched under the auspices of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to find a solution to the Ukrainian crisis.
Lavrov stressed that “the Russian government believes that we must begin this dialogue under the auspices of OSCE”.
In the meantime, German Chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out military intervention in the dispute with Russia and said she was counting on a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.