MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has paid a visit to Mariupol, inspecting the city infrastructure and talking to local residents, the Kremlin press service informs.

“In particular, they discussed the construction of new residential microdistricts, social and educational facilities, housing and communal services infrastructure, medical institutions,” the Kremlin said on Sunday.

Khusnullin told Putin that Mariupol residents were actively returning to the city following restoration works. Public transport is up and running in Mariupol, the deputy prime minister said, adding that the city’s first streetcar routes are expected to start operating by the summer.

According to the Kremlin, Putin flew to Mariupol by helicopter and then traveled around several city districts by car, making stops to talk to local residents.

Vladimir Putin personally drove through Mariupol by car

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin told the President of Russia during his visit that the residents of Mariupol are returning to the city more actively.

The President, in turn, noted the quality of local roads.… https://t.co/dJgvDKC6pQ pic.twitter.com/wJZovquTmh

— GraphicW (@GraphicW5) March 19, 2023

“The head of state also inspected the coastline of Mariupol near ​​the yacht club, the theater building, memorable city sites,” the Kremlin said.

Wow! Russian President Putin is in Mariupol, checking out the newly constructed buildings and talking to citizens!!

Mariupol has a bright future as a part of Russia. It will once again become an industrial powerhouse and also a key hub in China’s Belt and Road Initiative! 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻… https://t.co/B6NbB2Y5UA pic.twitter.com/qqm2XSP2xZ

— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) March 19, 2023

Putin in Mariupol, Donetsk People's Republic pic.twitter.com/GxWHNADZPG

— Trollstoy (@Trollstoy88) March 19, 2023

In particular, Khusnullin showed Putin the building of the city philharmonic hall, telling the president that its construction was fully completed in three months.

The reconstruction of the city center of Mariupol, where many historical buildings are located, is planned to be completed by the end of 2023, the deputy prime minister said.

Earlier, the Russian president has visited Crimea on the ninth anniversary of the region’s accession to Russia and visited newly opened historical and architectural sites on the peninsula.

During the trip, the Russian leader was accompanied by Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev.

🇷🇺Putin examines newly-delivered apartments in liberated Mariupol. pic.twitter.com/a3jhVFIQYX

— AZ 🛰🌏🌍🌎 (@AZgeopolitics) March 19, 2023

Russian flags were raised on the Crimean mountains to mark the anniversary of the region’s reunification with Russia.