Kyiv, Aug 18 (AP) - Russia's swift and bloodless takeover of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 set off a dramatic decline in Moscow's relations with the West, reminiscent of Cold War tensions.
This annexation paved the way for the broader invasion of Ukraine in 2022, during which Russia illegally extended its territory further.
Let's examine the strategically significant Black Sea Peninsula, contested by both Russia and Ukraine for its naval bases and pristine beaches:
How did Russia seize Crimea?
In the period of 2013-14, Ukraine experienced a massive popular uprising resulting in the ousting of its pro-Moscow President, Victor Yanukovych. Amidst this upheaval, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent unmarked armed troops to occupy Crimea, leading to a controversial referendum that the West and Ukraine dismissed as illegal.
Following Crimea's annexation on March 18, 2014, Russia faced severe sanctions from the United States, the European Union, and other global entities. This move was recognized by only a select few nations, like North Korea and Sudan. Despite international condemnation, the annexation sparked immense patriotism in Russia with “Krym nash!” — or “Crimea is ours!” — as a rallying cry. Putin's approval ratings soared from 65% in January 2014 to 86% by June, as reported by the Levada Centre, a Russian polling institution.
Putin regards Crimea as “a sacred place” and has taken actions against those, notably Crimean Tatars, opposing the annexation.
What happened after the annexation?
Post-annexation, conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces and pro-Kremlin militias, supported tacitly by Moscow despite denials. Evidence includes findings from a Dutch court that linked a Russia-supplied air defense system to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 on board.
Some Russian hard-liners subsequently criticized Putin for not securing all of Ukraine in 2014 when Kyiv's government and military were in disarray. The conflict in the east persisted sporadically until February 2022, when Russia commenced a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Why is Crimea important?
Crimea is a geopolitically valuable territory, which Russia has fought over for centuries. Originally home to Turkic-speaking Tatars before its annexation by the Russian Empire in the 18th century, it has undergone numerous changes in governance.
In 1954, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred Crimea from Russia to Ukraine. After the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991, Crimea emerged as part of an independent Ukraine, though Russia retained a military foothold via the Black Sea Fleet based in Sevastopol.
The Russian annexation in 2014 ended Crimea's 60-year association with Ukraine, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to reclaim the peninsula, asserting it can't be stolen by Russia. Control over Crimea is crucial for dominance in the Black Sea, a vital trading corridor for global commodities.
What role does Crimea play in Russia's war in Ukraine?
Before launching its full-scale invasion, Russia stationed troops and weaponry in Crimea, enabling quick advances into southern Ukraine. A Russian military official highlighted establishing a land corridor to Crimea as a strategic objective of Russia's “special military operation.”
Initially focusing on diplomacy, Zelenskyy later entertained military options for reclaiming Crimea following the large-scale invasion. The peninsula now often experiences drone attacks and bombings aimed at dislodging Russian control, targeting assets like the Black Sea Fleet, ammunition depots, airfields, and notably, the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Russia.
How does Crimea factor into peace efforts?
In 2024, Putin outlined peace demands, including Ukraine's recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, the cessation of NATO membership ambitions, and ceding the regions Russia annexed in 2022. Additionally, Moscow demands Ukraine maintain non-nuclear status and safeguard Russian-speaking populations.
Kyiv has firmly rejected any territorial concessions. With Russia occupying about 20% of Ukrainian land, including Crimea, any resolution maintaining current territorial lines would favor Moscow.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
