It has been suggested that Republic of Crimea be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since February 2024. |
Part of the Russo-Ukrainian War | |
Date | 27 February 2014 – present[1][note 1] (10 years, 1 month and 2 days) |
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Location | Crimea |
The Russian occupation of Crimea is an ongoing military occupation of the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. It began on 27 February 2014,[1] when unmarked Russian special forces were deployed in Crimea; although the Ukrainian government considers it to have begun on 20 February.[4][9] The occupation of Crimea was the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The occupation began during Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, which ousted pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Russian special forces without insignia took control of Crimea's government buildings, surrounded Ukrainian military bases, and blockaded the peninsula. A pro-Russian government was installed and a referendum on Crimea's status was held under occupation. According to the Russian-installed authorities, the result was in favor of joining Russia. It annexed Crimea on 18 March 2014, creating the Russian Republic of Crimea and federal city of Sevastopol.
From the outset of its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has used Crimea as a base from which to attack mainland Ukraine. The Ukrainian military has responded with attacks on Russian forces in Crimea. One of Russia's preconditions for ending its invasion is the recognition of its annexation of Crimea, while one of Ukraine's goals is to liberate the territory, by military means if necessary.[10][11][12][13][14][15]
The Ukrainian Government maintains that the Russian Federation has from 27 February 2014 exercised effective control over the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol ... There was sufficient evidence that during the relevant period the respondent State [Russia] had exercised effective control over Crimea.
Russia's war against Ukraine began with the annexation of Crimea on 27 February 2014. On that day, Russian special forces without any uniform insignia appeared in Crimea, quickly taking control of strategic, military and political institutions.
If asked when the war began, many Ukrainians believe it was when the unmarked Russian 'little green men' occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014, or February 20, the date given on the official Russian campaign medal 'For the Return of Crimea'.
During the night of 26-27 February, Russian special forces without insignia departed Sevastopol ... They arrived at the Crimean Rada and Council of Ministers buildings in Simferopol, disarmed the security and took control of the buildings ... Putin later signed a decree designating 27 February as Special Operations Forces Day in Russia.
On February 20, 2014, two days before Yanukovych fled the country, the decision appears to have been made to take the peninsula. Vremya cha - zero hour - was set for February 27, 2014.
The Kremlin has announced the anniversary of the military operation to seize the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine last year will be made an official holiday in Russia ... From now on, February 27th will be known as Special Forces Day.
Two years ago on February 27 [2014], Russia invaded Ukraine.
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The Ukrainian Government maintains that the Russian Federation has from 27 February 2014 exercised effective control over the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol ... There was sufficient evidence that during the relevant period the respondent State [Russia] had exercised effective control over Crimea.
Mr. Prystaiko (Ukraine): I have to remind the Council that the official medal that was produced by the Russian Federation for the so-called return of Crimea has the dates on it, starting with 20 February, which is the day before that agreement was brought to the attention of the Security Council by the representative of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the Russian Federation started – not just planned, but started – the annexation of Crimea the day before we reached the first agreement and while President Yanukovych was still in power.
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