As Russia was forced to retreat in Ukraine, Putin was opening a giant Ferris wheel — but it broke down and people had to be refunded

• Russian troops were forced to retreat in the northeastern part of the country.

• Putin bragged at the opening of the Ferris wheel that there was nothing similar in Europe.

• Visitors were trapped in the air after the wheel broke.

Russian President Vladimir Putin opened a giant Ferris wheel in Moscow, but it broke down and people had to get a new one.

Over the weekend, Ukrainian troops launched a counteroffensive in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, which had been occupied by the Russians for months.

Questions about Putin's next steps in his invasion were raised by the move.

Putin spoke via video link at the opening of the Moscow Sun, a giant Ferris wheel in the heart of the capital, despite the offensive.

"Europe's largest Ferris wheel" was said to be the new attraction by Putin and Sobyanin.

Putin said there was nothing like that in Europe.

The New York Times reported that the opening ended with fireworks.

The Ferris wheel broke down one day after he spoke.

Both publications cited an official press release, but Insider was able to read it in an archive form.

The Washington Post reported that people were given refunds after the Ferris wheel broke down.

Russian social media posts show that riders were stuck in the air.

The ride is open in limited capacity, according to the report.

Visitors can get refunds on tickets from September 11 to 25 or exchange them for merchandise according to the press release.

Business Insider has an article on it.