President Putin sent a video message to celebrate the annexation of the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, emphasizing the choice of the residents to join Russia.

In a video message, Russian President Vladimir Putin marked the third anniversary of the annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, stating that the residents of these regions have decided to return to their "homeland." Referring to the 2022 referendums, which the international community contests, Putin stated that Russia supports the choice of these regions. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the residents and announced a socio-economic development program to improve living conditions in these areas.