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During the trip, the head of state met with members of the public in Sevastopol. The city’s most urgent problems, such as the upgrading of the transport fleet, were discussed. Vladimir Putin emphasised that considerable funds – over 100 billion rubles – have been allocated in the budget for the city’s development in the next three years. The President also noted that large-scale construction of social infrastructure has been planned.

In addition, the head of state announced that the city would receive a big multi-purpose cultural centre with branches of major Russian museums, such as the Hermitage, the Russian Museum, the Tretyakov Gallery, and a base for training artists and musicians.

The President said he was prepared to consider specific proposals from members of the public on establishing in the city an industrial centre, following the model of an industrial park, based on the territory of the old Parus plant, which will make it possible to create many jobs for city residents.

Later on Vladimir Putin took part in the Russia, Sevastopol, Crimea combined rally and concert.

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Speech at the Russia, Sevastopol, Crimea rally and concert

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Hello, friends.

It is a great pleasure to be with you on this day, particularly in this city of our labour and wartime glory, the Hero City of Sevastopol, the city of Russia’s legendary sailors.

Four years ago, you took a historic decision. Thanks to your decision, Sevastopol and Crimea came home – the home of the Motherland we share, the home of our Mother Russia.

With your decision, you restored historical justice, which was violated back in the Soviet times when Crimea and Sevastopol were illegally, even under Soviet legislation, sundered from the Russian Federation, the RSFSR.

You showed with your decision what real democracy is, as opposed to show democracy. You showed up at the referendum and made a decision, voted for your future and your children’s future.

Yes, my dear friends, we still have a lot to do to develop both Sevastopol and Crimea as a whole. These are long-term matters, we are working on them and we will keep on working until we see them through, because when we are together, we are a great force capable of solving the most complicated challenges.

Thank you very much to all of you. I am sending you all hugs!

See you soon! Thanks so much!