MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Crimea is not merely a strategically important territory; most importantly, it is people who have never separated themselves from Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, speaking at a rally show, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Crimea’s reunification with Russia.

"Crimea is not merely a strategically important territory; it is not only our history, our traditions and the pride of Russia. Most importantly, Crimea is people: people of Sevastopol and people of Crimea. They are our pride!" the Russian leader said.

Putin underscored that these people have "kept their faith in the Homeland through decades."

"They have never separated themselves from Russia, and this is exactly what made it possible for Crime to return to our common family," he concluded.