Russian President Vladimir Putin joined tens of thousands of cheering supporters to mark one year since his takeover of Crimea - a move that shattered ties with Ukraine and the West. Putin appeared on stage today at a celebratory concert by the walls of the Kremlin to make an impassioned justification for seizing the Black Sea peninsula. Scroll down for video Impassioned justification: Russian President Vladimir Putin told crowds the takeover of Crimea was to help and support 'our compatriots' An estimated 110,000 people attended the concert marking one year since Putin's takeover of Crimea Putin looked energetic and spoke forcefully to the enthusiastic crowd, which gathered just off the Red Square near St Basil's CathedralRussian President Vladimir Putin marked anniversary of Crimea takeoverHe appeared on stage at a celebratory concert by the walls of the KremlinHe made an impassioned justification for seizing the Black Sea peninsulaPresident Putin claims takeover was to help and support 'our compatriots'Russia's annexation of Crimea shattered ties with Ukraine and the West
He ended his speech with three words: 'Long live _.' Supporter: A man attending the celebrations holds a banner reading: 'Russia and _ are together forever'.