Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation facts for kids
The annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation refers to the time in February and March 2014 when Russia took control of the Crimean Peninsula, which was part of Ukraine, and then officially made it part of Russia. This happened after a period of political change in Ukraine and led to many countries around the world saying that Russia's actions were against international law.
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When Did It Happen?
The main events of the annexation unfolded in February and March 2014. This period was marked by considerable political change in Ukraine, immediately following what is known as the "Revolution of Dignity" in Kyiv. This event is also widely considered the beginning of the larger conflict known as the Russo-Ukrainian War.
How Did the Annexation Occur?
In February 2014, Ukraine experienced major political shifts. Its president, Viktor Yanukovych, left his position after widespread protests in the capital city of Kyiv. This created a new and uncertain political situation across Ukraine. On February 27, 2014, special Russian forces, who were not wearing clear military insignia (leading to them sometimes being called "little green men"), seized control of important strategic locations across Crimea. Initially, Russia denied any involvement, but President Putin later admitted that these were indeed Russian troops.
While these armed individuals occupied the Crimean parliament building, the local parliament made swift changes. They dismissed the existing Crimean government and installed a new, pro-Russian government led by Sergey Aksyonov. This new government then announced a special vote, called a referendum, to decide Crimea's future status.
The referendum was held on March 16, 2014, under the presence of Russian forces. According to the Russian-installed authorities, the results showed an overwhelming majority of voters in favor of joining Russia.
The day after the referendum, on March 17, 2014, Crimea's authorities declared independence from Ukraine and formally requested to join Russia. Russia officially incorporated Crimea into its territory on March 18, 2014, establishing it as the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol within the Russian Federation.
International Reactions and Condemnation
Many countries, including Ukraine, strongly condemned Russia's actions, stating that they violated international law and various agreements that guaranteed Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Nations around the world expressed strong disapproval of Russia's actions. Major global powers, such as the United States and the countries of the European Union, imposed special economic restrictions and penalties, known as sanctions, on Russia. These were intended to express disapproval and exert pressure.
The United Nations General Assembly, a large body comprising representatives from nearly all countries, adopted a resolution declaring the referendum and the subsequent annexation invalid. The resolution emphasized the importance of respecting Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.
Different Names for the Event
The event is referred to differently depending on the perspective. In Ukraine it is commonly known as the "temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia," or sometimes the "illegal occupation," "fall," or "invasion of Crimea." In Russia it is often called the "accession of Crimea to the Russian Federation," the "return of Crimea," or the "reunification of Crimea."
See Also
- Russian occupation of Crimea
- Russo-Ukrainian War
- Revolution of Dignity
- 2014 Crimean status referendum
- Crimean Tatars
Images for kids
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Medal of the Russian Defense Ministry "For the return of Crimea" (Russian: За возвращение Крыма), 20 February – 18 March 2014
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The blockade of military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the capture of Crimea by Russia in February–March 2014
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May Day parade in Simferopol, 1 May 2019.
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A pro-war propaganda event in Sevastopol, Crimea, 29 April 2022
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Vladimir Putin and his close confidant Arkady Rotenberg before the opening of the Crimean Bridge in May 2018
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Russian President Putin meeting with representatives of the Crimean Tatars, 16 May 2014
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