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| #REDIRECT ] | |||
| {{pp-move|expiry=2014-06-05 04:55:46|small=yes}}{{current|date=March 2014}} | |||
| {{R from merge}} | |||
| {{mergefrom|2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine|discuss=Talk:2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine#Merger Proposal with 2014 Crimean Crisis|date=March 2014}} | |||
| {{use dmy dates|date=March 2014}} | |||
| {{Infobox civil conflict | |||
| | title = 2014 Crimean crisis | |||
| | partof = the aftermath of the ] | |||
| | image = Location UK-Crimea-RU.PNG | |||
| | image_size = 251 px | |||
| | caption = Crimea (dark green), Rest of Ukraine (light green) and Russia (light red) in Europe</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding-left:5px;"> | |||
| {{Legend|#006400|''']'''}} | |||
| {{Legend|#32CD32|'''Rest of ]'''}} | |||
| {{Legend|#d78776|''']'''}} | |||
| | date = 23 February 2014–''present''<br/>({{Age in months, weeks and days|year1=2014|month1=02|day1=23}}) | |||
| | place = ], ] | |||
| | coordinates = | |||
| | causes = *Opposition to the ] movement | |||
| *Opposition to the ] | |||
| *The ] vote on 23 February to repeal a ] that protected minority languages{{#tag:ref|Although the bill to repeal the language law passed with a majority of votes in the new, post-revolution Verkhovna Rada, Interim President ] has since announced that he will not sign it until "there is legislation to replace it". "Although the language law was unbalanced, I will not sign into law the parliament's decision to repeal it until a new bill to protect all languages is passed," Turchynov said.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20140303/188063675/Ukraines-2012-Language-Law-to-Stay-Until-New-Bill-Ready--Turchynov.html|title=Ukraine’s 2012 Language Law to Stay Until New Bill Ready – Turchynov|publisher=RIA Novosti|date=2014-03-03|accessdate=2014-03-04}}</ref>|group=nb}}<ref name=cause1/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/3/1/in-crimea-citizensstandforselfdefenseandmotherrussia.html|title=In Crimea, citizens stand for self defense and Mother Russia|publisher=Al-Jazeera America|date=2014-berli03-01|accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref><ref name="ibtlanguage">{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/watch-your-tongue-language-controversy-one-fundamental-conflicts-ukraine-1559069|title=Watch Your Tongue: Language Controversy One Of Fundamental Conflicts In Ukraine|publisher=International Business Times|date=2014-03-03|accessdate=2014-03-04}}</ref> | |||
| | status = Ongoing | |||
| * ].<ref>{{cite web|author=03.01.14 |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/03/01/so-russia-invaded-crimea.html |title=Russia Stages a Coup in Crimea |publisher=The Daily Beast |date= |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> | |||
| * Gunmen seize government buildings and raise the ].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/27/world/europe/ukraine-politics/|title=Gunmen seize government buildings in Ukraine's Crimea, raise Russian flag|publisher=CNN|author1=Marie-Louise Gumuchian|author2=Laura Smith-Spark|author3=Ingrid Formanek|date=27 February 2014|accessdate=27 February 2014}}</ref> Gunmen (claimed by Ukrainian government to be Russian soldiers) seized main airports.<ref name="airport_seizure">. ]. 28 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| * The ] is dissolved and a new ] is installed with armed force present in the building. The district administration court of Kiev reversed the decision of the council.<ref name="court_cancelled"/> | |||
| * New Members of the ] vote to hold a ]. The district administration court of Kiev declared illegal organization and conduct of local referendum.<ref name="court_cancelled"/> | |||
| * ] appears in the southern Russian city of ], rejects legitimacy of the post-revolution government in Kiev, and reasserts claim to the Ukrainian presidency.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/yanukovych-says-he-is-still-president-of-ukraine-337743.html|title=Yanukovych reportedly declares he is Ukraine's president and plans press conference in Russia on Feb. 28|publisher=''KyivPost''|date=27 February 2014|accessdate=27 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| * Pro-Russian protests spread to ] and ].<ref name="rtmarch1">{{cite news|url=http://rt.com/news/kiev-clashes-rioters-police-571/|title=Ukraine turmoil LIVE UPDATES|publisher=RT|date=2014-03-01|accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| * No central government control over Crimea<ref>. ]. 2 March 2014</ref> | |||
| * Ukraine's Navy commander defects, declares support for the new Crimean government.<ref>{{cite web|author=Eline Gordts |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/02/denis-berezovsky-defects-ukraine_n_4885926.html |title=Denis Berezovsky, Ukraine's Navy Chief, Defects To Crimea's Pro-Russian Authorities |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date=2014-02-26 |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> | |||
| * Russia denounces the ] as illegitimate<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/ukraine-viktor-yanukovych-arrest-warrant |title=Ukraine's new government is not legitimate – Dmitry Medvedev | World news |publisher=theguardian.com |date=2014-02-24 |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> and denounced all treaties previously signed with Ukraine.<ref name="putin_renounced"/> | |||
| * Crimean government states that representatives of the localities of ], ], and ] in coastal Ukraine outside of Crimea have declared their desire to become part of Crimea if its powers are increased by the ] planned for 30 March.<ref name="inserbia.info"></ref> | |||
| | result = | |||
| | methods = | |||
| * Protests | |||
| * Unmarked Russian military operations in Crimea | |||
| * Concentration of Russian Military Forces | |||
| * General mobilization in Ukraine | |||
| | side1 = | |||
| {{flagicon|Crimea}} ] | |||
| * ] regime<br/> | |||
| {{flagicon image|Flag of Sevastopol.svg}} ]<br/> | |||
| {{flagicon|Russia}} Pro-Russian militants<ref name="autogenerated1"/> | |||
| Supportive organizations in Crimea | |||
| * ] party<ref name="pRoCRU">{{cite web |url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/192882.html |title=Crimean Tatars, pro-Russia supporters approach Crimean parliament building |publisher=En.interfax.com.ua |date=2012-10-20 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| * ]<ref name=frnz>{{cite web|last=Shuster |first=Simon |url=http://world.time.com/2014/02/28/crimea-russia-putin-night-wolves |title=Ukraine: Russia Ups the Ante in Crimea | TIME.com |publisher=World.time.com |date= |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| * Former members of the dissolved ] special police unit<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://gazeta.ua/ru/articles/politics/_moskal-adminzdaniya-kryma-zahvatil-ozloblennyj-rasformirovaniem-podrazdeleniya-berkut/544632 |title=Москаль: админздания Крыма захватил озлобленный расформированием подразделения "Беркут" | Новости на |publisher=Gazeta.ua |date=2014-02-05 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| * Defected personnel of the ] (Crimean claim)<ref name="defectorsvor">{{cite news|url=http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_03_05/ARC-Government-three-anti-aircraft-missile-regiment-of-the-Armed-Forces-of-Ukraine-join-Crimean-side-8049/|title=ARC Government: three anti-aircraft missile regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine join Crimean side|publisher=The Voice of Russia|date=2014-03-05|accessdate=2014-03-05}}</ref> | |||
| ---- | |||
| {{flag|Russia}}<ref name="airport_seizure"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10666893/Ukraine-crisis-live-Russia-admits-its-troops-are-moving-in-Crimea.html |title=Ukraine crisis live: President Barack Obama warns of 'costs' for any violation of Ukraine |publisher=Telegraph |date= |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| *{{flagicon|Russia|naval}} ] | |||
| *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Russian Airborne Troops.svg}} ]<ref name=sodurid> ] 5-03-2014</ref> | |||
| *{{Flagicon image|Generalstaff central dep.svg}} ]<ref name=sodurid/> | |||
| * {{Flagicon image|Generalstaff central dep.svg}} ]<ref name=sodurid/> | |||
| * {{Flagicon image|Generalstaff central dep.svg}} ]<ref name=sodurid/> | |||
| * {{Flagicon image|Flag of Kuban People's Republic.svg}} ]<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10672417/Ukraine-live.html Daily Telegraph Ukraine Live (3 March 2014)</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine Crisis: On Crimea's new border the Russian Army waits|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10674305/Ukraine-crisis-On-Crimeas-new-border-the-Russian-Army-waits.html|accessdate=4 March 2014|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|date=3 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| | side2 = | |||
| {{flag|Ukraine}} | |||
| *{{flagicon image|Ensign of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.svg}} ] | |||
| *{{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of Ukraine.svg}} ]<ref> The Guardian 03-03-2013</ref> | |||
| *] parties | |||
| **] | |||
| **] | |||
| **] | |||
| {{flagicon image|Flag of the Crimean Tatar people.svg}} ]<ref name="bbx2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26354705 |title=BBC News – Ukraine Crimea: Rival rallies confront one another |publisher=Bbc.com |date=1970-01-01 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| | leadfigures1 = {{flagicon|Crimea}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|Crimea}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|Crimea}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|Crimea}} ]<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of Sevastopol.svg}} ] | |||
| ---- | |||
| {{flagicon|Russia}} ]<br />{{flagicon|Russia}} ]<br />{{flagicon|Russia}} ] | |||
| | leadfigures2 = {{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<br />{{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<br />{{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]</br>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Crimean Tatar people.svg}} ]<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Crimean Tatar people.svg}} ] | |||
| | howmany1 = '''Protesters''' | |||
| *20,000 (])<ref name=MTS25214>{{cite news|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russian-citizen-elected-sevastopol-mayor-amid-pro-moscow-protests-in-crimea/495113.html|title=Russian Citizen Elected Sevastopol Mayor Amid Pro-Moscow Protests in Crimea|publisher=The Moscow Times|date=2014-02-25|accessdate=2014-02-27}}</ref><ref name=EN25214/> | |||
| *5,000 (])<ref name="guardian226">{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/26/ukraine-new-leader-disbands-riot-police-crimea-separatism|title=Russia puts military on high alert as Crimea protests leave one man dead|publisher=The Guardian|date=2014-02-26|accessdate=2014-02-27}}</ref> | |||
| '''Volunteer units'''<ref name=WPC25214/> | |||
| *5,000 (Sevastopol) | |||
| *1,700 (Simferopol) | |||
| '''Ukrainian Armed Forces defectors''' | |||
| *6,000 (Crimean claim)<ref name=defectorsvor/> | |||
| '''Russian Infantry'''{{fact|date=March 2014}} | |||
| *6,000–28,000 | |||
| '''Armed insurgents'''{{fact|date=March 2014}} | |||
| *300 | |||
| | howmany2 = '''Protesters''' | |||
| *4,000–10,000 (Simferopol)<ref name=pRoCRU/><ref name=guardian226/> | |||
| '''Ukrainian military forces''' | |||
| *About 5,000 troops<ref>{{cite web|author=Ewen MacAskill, defence correspondent |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/28/ukraine-military-russia-crimea |title=Ukraine military still a formidable force despite being dwarfed by neighbour | World news |publisher=theguardian.com |date= |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> | |||
| *Currently recruiting and mobilizing reserves | |||
| | casualties1 = | |||
| | casualties2 = About 100 to 200 Ukrainian marines currently detained by Russian forces against their will,{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} as well as reportedly almost all of the Ukrainian Navy Fleet | |||
| | casualties3 = Several serious injuries<ref name=guardian226/><br>'''2–3 civilians dead'''<ref name=RallyDeaths>{{cite news|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/two-die-in-rallies-outside-crimean-parliament-says-ex-head-of-mejlis-337708.html|title=Two die in rallies outside Crimean parliament, says ex-head of Mejlis|publisher=]|accessdate=27 February 2014|date=26 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://vz.ru/news/2014/2/27/674608.html |title=ВЗГЛЯД / В давке на митинге в Симферополе погибли три человека |publisher=Vz.ru |date= |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/28/7016713/ |title=94 ЛЮДИНИ ЗАГИНУЛО ЗА ЧАС ПРОТЕСТІВ В УКРАЇНІ – МОЗ | Українська правда |publisher=Pravda.com.ua |date= |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| | fatalities = | |||
| | injuries = 20 injured | |||
| | arrests = | |||
| | detentions = | |||
| | charged = | |||
| | fined = | |||
| | casualties_label = | |||
| | notes = | |||
| }} | |||
| {{Campaignbox Post-Soviet conflicts}} | |||
| The '''2014 Crimean crisis''', unfolding in the region of ], ], began in the aftermath of the ]. Capping a popular revolution, on February 22, 2014 the Ukrainian Parliament ousted pro-Russian the government of President ]. | |||
| Since 23 February some ] groups staged protests, opposing the revolution in Kiev favouring closer ties or integration with Russia, along with expanded autonomy.<ref name="cause1">{{cite news|url=http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/26/ukraine-s-crimea-a-hotbed-of-russia-bound-separatism/|title=Ukraine’s Crimea: a hotbed of Russia-bound separatism|publisher=Euronews|date=2014-02-26|accessdate=2014-02-27}}</ref>Other groups, predominantly ] and ], demonstrated in support for the keiv revolution.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26354705|title=Ukraine Crimea: Rival rallies confront one another|publisher=BBC News|date=2014-03-26|accessdate=2014-04-01}}</ref> As the deposed Yanukovych fled to Russia, he covertly called for Russian armed forces to intervene in Ukraine, specifically Crimea, to stabilize the region<ref></ref> | |||
| On 26 February Russia started concentrating a military force along the ] in a military exercise.<ref>{{cite web|author=<%= item.timeFlag %> |url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/721148 |title=ITAR-TASS: Russia – Western and Central commands start massive redeployment |publisher=En.itar-tass.com |date=2013-07-24 |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Zinets |first=Natalia |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/02/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140302 |title=Ukraine mobilizes after Putin's 'declaration of war' |publisher=Reuters |date= |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/russia-war-games-over-ukraine-prompt-us-warning-003015456.html |title=Russia war games over Ukraine prompt US warning – Yahoo News |publisher=News.yahoo.com |date=2014-02-26 |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> The next day, Russian-flagged soldiers without insignia started taking control of Crimea and<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/28/world/europe/crimea-ukraine.html?hpw&rref=world&_r=0|title=Gunmen Seize Government Buildings in Crimea|publisher=The New York Times|date=2014-02-27|accessdate=2014-03-01 | |||
| |quote=Masked men with guns seized government buildings in the capital of Ukraine's Crimea region on Thursday, barricading themselves inside and raising the Russian flag after mysterious overnight raids that appeared to be the work of militant Russian nationalists who want this volatile Black Sea region ruled from Moscow. | |||
| }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/28/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140228 | |||
| |title=Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Yanukovich reappears|publisher=Reuters|date=2014-03-01|accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/01/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140301|title=Putin ready to invade Ukraine; Kiev warns of war}}</ref><ref> UPI Retrieved on Feb. 28, 2014</ref>dismissed the autonomous republic's government and replaced the chairman of the ], ], with pro-Russian chairman ], who pledged to hold a ]<ref> Crimean parliament dismisses autonomous republic's government Feb. 27, 2014</ref> | |||
| The next day Russian troops stationed in Crimea were reinforced by the Russian ]<ref>{{cite news|last=Sengupta|first=Kim|title=Ukraine crisis: Intimidation and a chilling ultimatum from Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Belbek – but Ukrainian forces remain defiant|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-a-chilling-ultimatum-from-russias-black-sea-fleet-to-ukrainian-forces-in-crimea--surrender-by-four-or-else-9166745.html|newspaper=The Independent|date=4 March 2014}}</ref>, violating a Russian-Ukrainian bilateral agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/01/us-ukraine-crisis-warships-idUSBREA200VA20140301 |title=Two Russian warships seen off Ukraine coast, violate agreement: Interfax |publisher=Reuters |date= |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/02/28/ukraine-crisis-helicopters-idUKR4N0IH00420140228 |title=Russian helicopters fly over Crimea – Ukraine border guards | Reuters |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date=2009-02-09 |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> In reaction to this Kiev accused ] in Ukraine's internal affairs<ref>{{cite news|title=Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Yanukovich reappears|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/28/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140228|accessdate=1 March 2014|date=28 February 2014|author=Alissa de Carbonnel|author2=Alessandra Prentice|agency=Reuters}}</ref> and decreed the appointment of Aksyonov as ] and a possible referendum unconstitutional.<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref><ref>Order of the President of Ukraine № 187/2014. ''. ] official website. 1 March 2014''</ref><ref name="gazeta1">{{cite web|url=http://gazeta.ua/ru/articles/politics/_turchinov-izdal-ukaz-o-nezakonnosti-naznacheniya-aksenova-premerom-kryma/545023 |title=Турчинов издал указ о незаконности назначения Аксенова премьером Крыма |publisher=Gazeta.ua |date= |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref><ref>, Washington Post, 2 March 2014</ref> Meanwhile the Russian parliament offically granted President ] the authority to use military force in Ukraine<ref> ] Retrieved on 1 March 2014</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kremlin Clears Way for Force in Ukraine; Separatist Split Feared|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/world/europe/ukraine.html|accessdate=1 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=1 March 2014}}</ref>and Ukraine declared full battle alert and mobilization of troops<ref>{{cite web|author=|url= http://english.pravda.ru/news/hotspots/02-03-2014/126973-ukraine_russia_war-0/ |title=Ukraine declares general mobilization after Russia approves use of military force in Crimea |publisher=English pravda.ru |date=2014-02-24 |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref>Soon after, amidst conflicting reports of defection among the Ukrainan forces stationed in Crimea the chief of the Ukrainian Navy, Denis Berezovsky publicly defected to Crimean authorities<ref> ] Retrieved on 2 March 2014</ref><ref>.ue. ]. 2 March 2014</ref><ref>. ] official website. 2 March 2014</ref><ref> ] Retrieved on 2 March 2014</ref> | |||
| Putin has denounced the new Ukrainian government as an anti-constitutional coup d'état.<ref name="pcoup"> ] Retrieved on 4 March 2014</ref> Putin has also stated that the pro-Russian militants were not Russian soldiers, while others claim they had equipment exclusive to Russian high-readiness reconnaissance troops, making the claims controversial.<ref name="Pulkki2014">{{cite web |last=Pulkki |first=Arto |title=Crimea Invaded By High Readiness Forces Of The Russian Federation |work=Suomen Sotilas |date=2014 |url=http://www.suomensotilas.fi/en/artikkelit/crimea-invaded-high-readiness-forces-russian-federation |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305142752/http://www.suomensotilas.fi/en/artikkelit/crimea-invaded-high-readiness-forces-russian-federation |archivedate=March 5, 2014 }}</ref> He declared that Russia would not forcefully annex Crimea,<ref></ref> but that Russia would reserve the right to apply "all means" as a last resort in response to threats of anarchy.<ref name="putinpress"> ] Retrieved on 4 March 2014</ref> | |||
| The ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Obama: Russia 'On The Wrong Side Of History' On Ukraine|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/03/obama-russia_n_4891788.html|publisher=Huffington Post}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine crisis: Russia faces 'costs and consequences', warns William Hague|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10672977/Ukraine-crisis-Russia-faces-costs-and-consequences-warns-William-Hague.html|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=03 Mar 2014}}</ref> ],<ref></ref> ],<ref></ref> ],<ref></ref> ],<ref></ref> and the ]<ref></ref> condemned Russia, accusing it of breaking international law and violating Ukrainian sovereignty. | |||
| ==Background== | |||
| ] | |||
| ]. ] is in red (58%), ] in yellow (24%), ] in green (12%), and other ethnic groups in purple (6%).]] | |||
| {{see also|History of Crimea|Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances|2010 Kharkiv Pact}} | |||
| Crimea was ] by the ] in 1783, but ] colonists did not become the largest population group in Crimea until the 20th century.<ref name="Census of the Russian Empire">. Institute of Demography</ref> Crimea became the "heart of ]" during the time of the Russian Empire, and the region continued to attract vacationers under the ].<ref name=Romanticism>{{cite news|last=Judah|first=Ben|title=Why Russia No Longer Fears the West|url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/03/russia-vladimir-putin-the-west-104134_Page2.html#.UxYyZfldXXU|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Politico|date=2 March 2014}}</ref> Crimea had autonomy within the ] as the ] from 1921 until 1945, when ] ] and abolished Crimean autonomy.<ref name="Separatism-Danger" /> In 1954, the ] leadership under ] transferred the ] from the ] to the ], in a "symbolic gesture" that seemed insignificant at the time, since both republics were a part of the ].<ref name="Calamur">{{cite news|last=Calamur|first=Krishnadev|title=Crimea: A Gift To Ukraine Becomes A Political Flash Point|url=http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2014/02/27/283481587/crimea-a-gift-to-ukraine-becomes-a-political-flash-point|accessdate=2 March 2014|newspaper=NPR|date=27 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Kruschev">{{cite news|last=Keating|first=Joshua|title=Kruschev's Gift|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2014/02/25/separatism_in_ukraine_blame_nikita_khrushchev_for_ukraine_s_newest_crisis.html|accessdate=2 March 2014|newspaper=Slate|date=25 February 2014}}</ref> Crimea's pre-1945 autonomy was re-established with the ] in 1991, the ] of the Soviet Union's existence. | |||
| The ''] of Crimea'' has been part of an independent ] since 1991, when the former constituent ] became ]. In 1992, the Crimean Parliament voted to hold a referendum to declare independence, while the Russian Parliament voted to void the cession of Crimea to Ukraine.<ref name=Serge>{{cite news|last=Schmemann|first=Serge|title=Crimea Parliament Votes to Back Independence From Ukraine|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/06/world/crimea-parliament-votes-to-back-independence-from-ukraine.html|accessdate=3 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=6 May 1992}}</ref><ref name=Serge2>{{cite news|last=Schmemann|first=Serge|title=Russia Votes to Void Cession of Crimea to Ukraine|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/22/world/russia-votes-to-void-cession-of-crimea-to-ukraine.html|accessdate=3 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=22 May 1992}}</ref> In 1994, Russian nationalist ] won the ] and organized a ].<ref name="Presidency">{{cite news|title=Separatist Winning Crimea Presidency|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/31/world/separatist-winning-crimea-presidency.html|accessdate=2 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=31 January 1994}}</ref><ref name="Bohlen">{{cite news|last=Bohlen|first=Celestine|title=Russia vs. Ukraine: A Case of the Crimean Jitters|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/23/world/russia-vs-ukraine-a-case-of-the-crimean-jitters.html|accessdate=2 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=23 March 1994}}</ref> Later in that same year, Crimea's legal status as part of Ukraine was recognized by Russia, which pledged to uphold the territorial integrity of Ukraine in the ] signed in 1994. This treaty (or ] for purposes of US law), was also signed by the United States, United Kingdom, and France.<ref name="Russian-Ukrainian-Relations" /><ref name="separatism">, bbc, 27 February 2014</ref> Ukraine revoked the ] and abolished the office of ] in 1995.<ref name="Abolished">{{cite news|title=Ukraine Moves To Oust Leader Of Separatists|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/19/world/ukraine-moves-to-oust-leader-of-separatists.html |accessdate=2 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=19 March 1995}}</ref> Crimea would gain a new ] in 1998 that granted the Crimean parliament lesser powers than the previous constitution, including no ].<ref name=NewCon>{{cite news|title=Crimea wants to equate its Constitution with Ukraine's Basic Law|url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/crimea_wants_to_equate_its_constitution_with_ukraines_basic_law_285747|accessdate=3 March 2014|newspaper=Ukrinform|date=18 July 2012}}</ref> Crimean officials would later seek to restore the powers of the previous constitution.<ref name=NewCon/> Further developments in Crimea and the future of ] ] there have been a point of contention in Russian-Ukrainian relations.<ref name="Russian-Ukrainian-Relations">, Paper by Victor Zaborsky, September 1995</ref> The ] extended the Russian lease of the base to 2042 in exchange for ], but was ] by opposition groups in Ukraine.<ref name="cnn21410">, ] (21 April 2010)</ref> | |||
| According to the ], ] make up about 58% of the two million residents of ]. In ], which houses a base for the ] ], ethnic Russians make up 70% of the city's population of 340,000.<ref name="globe26" /> ] make up 24% of the Crimean population, while 12% are ].<ref name="Separatism-Danger" /><ref name="globe26" /> Crimean Tatars since their ], were not permitted to return to Crimea, and became an international cause celebre,<ref>{{cite book|title=The Tatars of Crimea: Return to the Homeland : Studies and Documents}}</ref> until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The continuing migration of Crimean Tatars to the region since the Soviet collapse is causing persistent tensions with Russians over land rights.<ref name="Separatism-Danger">, BBC, 27 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| In the ], the ] received 357,030 votes, while the second-placed ] received 54,172 votes.<ref>, ] (11 November 2010).</ref> Both parties were targeted by protesters during the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/01/thousands-mourn-ukraine-protester-amid-unrest-2014126185654320641.html |title=Thousands mourn Ukraine protester amid unrest – Europe |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theinsider.ua/politics/5305275f007e4/ |title=У Сумах розгромили офіс ПР | INSIDER |publisher=Theinsider.ua |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://gazeta.ua/ru/articles/np/_v-kieve-razgromili-ofis-ck-kpu/543687|title=В Киеве разгромили офис ЦК КПУ|trans_title=In Kiev, Communist Party Central Committee Office was destroyed|publisher=Gazeta.ua|date=22 February 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://gazeta.ua/ru/articles/np/_v-kieve-razgromili-ofis-ck-kpu/543687|archivedate=22 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| According to the International Centre for Defense Studies, since the ] in 2004, Russia has pressured Ukraine for its preferences to associate itself with the West.<ref name="icds" /> It has been stated that the information campaign in Crimea has become especially proficient and systematic, becoming particularly intense during the 2006–2008 ]. It has been claimed that Ukraines' attempts to achieve ], Moscow always intensifies its hostility to the idea via its use of information campaign.<ref name="icds">, International Centre for Defense Studies, November 2008</ref><ref>: Ukraine’s big hope, Russia’s grand gamble, By Elena Mizrokhi, August 2009</ref> Russia opposes Ukrainian integration with the West for various reasons, including defense, and Russia's claimed desire to include Ukraine in an ].<ref name=Englund>{{cite news|last=Englund|first=Will|title=Despite its problems, Ukraine is a prize for Russia, Europe|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/despite-its-problems-ukraine-is-a-prize-for-russia-europe/2014/03/02/f009459e-a263-11e3-84d4-e59b1709222c_story.html|accessdate=3 March 2014|newspaper=Washington Post|date=2 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| According to ], during the ] presidency (2005–2010), ] deteriorated, prompting the Russian security service (]) and Russian military intelligence (]) to expand their covert support for pro-Russian forces in Southern Ukraine and Russian separatists in Crimea.<ref>, opendemocracy.net, 27 February 2014.</ref> Following the ] and the 2008 ], American ]s ] to the public noted that Russian military action against Ukraine was "no longer unthinkable."<ref name="Unthinkable">{{cite news|last=Keating|first=Joshua|title=Crimean Foreshadowing|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2014/03/01/the_wikileaks_cables_that_anticipated_the_russian_invasion_of_crimea.html|accessdate=1 March 2014|newspaper=Slate|date=1 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Revolution in Kiev=== | |||
| {{main|Euromaidan|2014 Ukrainian revolution}} | |||
| Towards the end of 2013, anti-government ] protests began over the issue of the ], which the elected President ] rejected because the Russian aid package of 15 billion dollars in government bond purchases plus a one-third reduction in gas prices and further industrial cooperation was too irresistible, especially given the state of the Ukrainian economy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia offers Ukraine major economic assistance|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-25411118|date=2013-12-17|accessdate=2014-03-04}}</ref> | |||
| His rejection was perceived by the media as a step closer towards Russia. Forces on the right refused to accept anything other than closer association with the EU and took to the streets to air their demands and to get the president to resign. They took over state armouries and began armed action in the Maidan square. They took over government buildings and brought government to a halt. They would accept nothing less than the resignation of the president, who was elected via an election accepted by all observers as fair. | |||
| The protests escalated in early 2014 and eventually led to deaths of both protesters and government forces on 20 February.<ref name="Yanuousted">, ] (23 February 2014)<br>, ] (23 February 2014).</ref> The Ukrainian parliament voted to impeach Yanukovich on 21 February during the ].<ref name="Yanuousted" /> | |||
| Russia refused to recognize the new authorities in Kiev, saying that they had come to power through armed insurrection by extreme-right political forces and unconstitutional methods.<ref>"". ''The Guardian''. 4 March 2014.</ref> Several Western countries immediately recognized the new regime in Kiev. | |||
| Among one of the laws passed by the parliament was the cancellation of the official status of Russian in Ukraine. Further measures against the ] were planned. | |||
| Some residents of the eastern and southern parts of the country, which are primarily Russian-speaking and constitute President Yanukovich's support base, felt disenfranchised by these developments and protested against the new establishment in ].<ref name="bbx2" /> The ] called for an extraordinary session on 21 February. The leader of the ] ] stated that he suspected that the session might ask for Russian military intervention.<ref>{{cite web|author=|language=Ukrainian|url=http://news.bigmir.net/ukraine/788004-V-Ukraine-zahvatyvajut-oblastnye-gosadministracii--OBNOVLJaETSJa-|title=В Украине захватывают областные госадминистрации|publisher=Big Mir|accessdate=21 February 2014|archiveurl= | |||
| //web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://news.bigmir.net/ukraine/788004-V-Ukraine-zahvatyvajut-oblastnye-gosadministracii--OBNOVLJaETSJa-|archivedate=21 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On 21 February 2014, the ] (SBU) issued a statement which promised that "it will use severe measures to prevent any action taken against diminishing the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."{{#tag:ref|It also noted that "certain politicians, local government officials, leaders of civil society organizations, and radically inclined individuals have attempted to create grounds for escalating the civil conflict, and have spread autonomous and separatist attitudes among the people, which could lead to the demise of our as a united nation and loss of its national sovereignty." In addition, the statement said that certain lawmakers of every level have begun separatist negotiations with representatives of foreign nations. "Open consultations are being held on the possible division of the country into separate parts in violation of the Ukrainian constitution," read the statement. "This could lead to an escalation of conflict between different sectors of society, inciting ethnic or religious hatred and military conflict."<ref name=kp21live>{{cite news|title=EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine|url= http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv/euromaidan-rallies-in-ukraine-feb-21-live-updates-337287.html|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=21 February 2014|archiveurl= | |||
| //web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv/euromaidan-rallies-in-ukraine-feb-21-live-updates-337287.html|archivedate=21 February 2014}}</ref>|group = nb}} The same day the pro-Russian ] who held 80 of the 100 seats in the Crimean Parliament,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/52929/|title=Regions Party gets 80 of 100 seats on Crimean parliament|agency=]|date=11 November 2010|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/52929/|archivedate=6 June 2012}}</ref> did not discuss issues relating to the separation of Crimea from Ukraine and appeared to support the deal struck between President Yanukovych and the opposition to end the crises signed the same day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/191667.html|title= Regions of Crimea meeting didn't address separation of Crimea from Ukraine – deputy prime minister of Crimea|agency=Interfax-Ukraine|date=21 February 2014|archiveurl= | |||
| //web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/191667.html|archivedate=21 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On 23 February 2014, following the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, the ] of minorities, including Russian, was abolished, making Ukrainian the sole state language at all levels.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/ukraine-crisis-western-nations-eu-russia |title=Western nations scramble to contain fallout from Ukraine crisis |date=24 February 2014 | work=The Guardian |first=Ian |last=Traynor}}</ref> The '']'' reported: "The cancellation of this language law only served to infuriate Russian-speaking regions, who saw the move as more evidence that the antigovernment protests in Kiev that managed to topple Mr. Yanukovych's government were intent on pressing for a ] agenda. It only deepened tensions in Crimea, for example, where the idea that the protesters on Maidan were radical fascists."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2014/0228/Is-it-too-late-for-Kiev-to-woo-Russian-speaking-Ukraine |title= Is it too late for Kiev to woo Russian-speaking Ukraine? |date= February 28, 2014 | work=] |first=Sabra |last=Ayres}}</ref> On 1 March 2014 the bill repealing the law was vetoed by "Acting President" ]<ref>{{cite news|title=На отмену закона о региональных языках на Украине наложат вето|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2014/03/01/language/|newspaper=]|date=1 March 2014}}</ref> but the damage was done. | |||
| ==Timeline of the events== | |||
| {{main|Timeline of the 2014 Crimean crisis}} | |||
| ===February === | |||
| ] ] in ]]] | |||
| {{see also|Crimean referendum, 2014}} | |||
| In ], on 23 February 2014 a pro-Euromaidan rally of between 5,000–15,000 was held in support of the new Ukrainian authorities.<ref name="pRoCRU" /><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25274499.html | title = У Криму вимагають розпуску парламенту автономії і знесення пам'ятника Леніну (U Krymu vymahayutʹ rozpusku parlamentu avtonomiyi i znesennya pam'yatnyka Leninu) | trans_title = In Crimea, required the dissolution of parliament and the permission to demolish of the monument to Lenin | language = Ukrainian | publisher=Radio Svoboda|date=23 February 2014|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25274499.html |archivedate=24 February 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile in Sevastopol, thousands protested against the new authorities and voted to establish a parallel administration and civil defense squads created with the support of Russian ] bikers.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/ukraine-crisis-secession-russian-crimea |title=Ukraine crisis fuels secession calls in pro-Russian south |newspaper=]|date=24 February 2014|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/23/ukraine-crisis-secession-russian-crimea |archivedate=24 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="russiarally">{{cite news|url= http://blogi.newsweek.pl/Tekst/swiat/684527,rosja-przygotowuje-sie-do-zbrojnej-interwencji-na-ukrainie.html |title=Rosja przygotowuje się do zbrojnej interwencji na Ukrainie?|trans_title = Russia is preparing for military intervention in Ukraine?|language=Polish|newspaper=]|date= 23 February 2014|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://blogi.newsweek.pl/Tekst/swiat/684527,rosja-przygotowuje-sie-do-zbrojnej-interwencji-na-ukrainie.html |archivedate= 24 February 2014}}</ref> Russian military convoys were also alleged to be seen in the area.<ref name="russiarally" /> On 24 February the ] ] declared that the region would carry out all laws passed by the ].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25274524.html|title= Прем'єр Криму Могильов заявляє, що виконуватиме нові закони (Prem'yer Krymu Mohylʹov zayavlyaye, shcho vykonuvatyme novi zakony) | trans_title = The Premier of Crimea Mogilev said that the new laws will serve | language=Ukrainian|publisher=Radio Svoboda|date= 23 February 2014|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25274524.html |archivedate= 24 February 2014}}</ref> That same day, more protesters rallied outside the Sevastopol administration offices.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/24/7016127/ | title= У Севастополі вимагають віддати владу "вибраному" на мітингу "меру" (U Sevastopoli vymahayutʹ viddaty vladu "vybranomu" na mitynhu "meru") | trans_title = In Sevastopol required to give power to "Favorites" to meeting "the mayor" | language = Ukrainian |work=Ukrayinska Pravda| date= 24 February 2014 |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> Pro-Russian demonstrators accompanied by neo-Cossacks demanded the selection of a Russian citizen as mayor (which was refused by the city council) and planted Russian flags at city hall; they also handed out leaflets calling for volunteers to a militia and warning that the "]-] Europlague is knocking."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.interpretermag.com/ukraine-liveblog-day-7-decoding-documents-indicting-dictators/#2308 | title=Ukraine Liveblog: Day 7 — Decoding Documents & Indicting Dictators |work=The Interpreter |date = 2014-02-24 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> On 25 February, several hundred pro-Russian protesters blocked the Crimean parliament demanding a referendum on Crimea's independence.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://censor.net.ua/photo_news/272784/prorossiyiskie_sily_zablokirovali_vr_kryma_trebuyut_referenduma_o_nezavisimosti_parlament_sobiraetsya |title= Крым сепаратизм: Пророссийские силы заблокировали ВР Крыма, требуют референдума о независимости: парламент собирается на внеочередное заседание (Krym separatizm: Prorossiyskiye sily zablokirovali VR Kryma, trebuyut referenduma o nezavisimosti: parlament sobirayetsya na vneocherednoye zasedaniye) | trans_title = Crimean separatism: Pro-Russian forces blocked BP Crimea, require a referendum on independence: the Parliament meets in extraordinary session |publisher= Цензор (Tsenzor) | place = ] |date=25 February 2014 |accessdate= 2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| On 24 February Sevastopol chose ], a Russian citizen, as mayor in a city that previously had no mayor.<ref name="WPC25214">{{Citation | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraine-no-new-government-before-thursday/2014/02/25/44355d1e-9e00-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html | title = Pro-Russian rally in Crimea decries Kiev 'bandits' | newspaper = ] | date = 25 February 2014}}.</ref>{{#tag:ref |Sevastopol is the only city in Ukraine whose residents do not get to elect their mayor directly, due to the ].<ref name=MTS25214/>|group=nb}}<ref name="Kuzio1998">{{cite book|last= Kuzio|first= Taras | title = Contemporary Ukraine: Dynamics of Post-Soviet Transformation| url = http://books.google.com/books?id=tedMMgz3RV8C&pg=PA44 |accessdate=3 March 2014|date=1998-01-01|publisher=ME Sharpe|isbn=9780765631503|page = 44}}</ref> Viktor Neganov, a Sevastopol-based adviser to the interior minister, condemned the events in the city as a coup.<ref>{{cite web| first =Howard | last = Amos | url = http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/ukraine-sevastopol-installs-pro-russian-mayor |title=Ukraine: Sevastopol installs pro-Russian mayor as separatism fears grow |work=The Guardian |date=2014-02-25 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> In Simferopol, the Regional State Administration building was blockaded with hundreds of protesters demanding a referendum of separation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top.rbc.ru/politics/25/02/2014/907178.shtml |title=Активисты Крыма требуют отделения полуострова от Украины :: Политика |publisher=Top.rbc.ru |date=25 February 2014 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> On 26 February thousands of protesters clashed in Simferopol.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rt.com/news/crimea-ukraine-protest-clashes-840/ |title=Stones, bottles thrown as pro-, anti-Russian protesters clash in Crimea |publisher=Rt.com |date=27 February 2014 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> Media claimed that Russian troops or (as they themselves claimed) local volunteers took control of the main route of access to ].<ref name="globe26" /> A military checkpoint, with military vehicles under a Russian flag, was set up on the main highway between the city and ].<ref name="globe26">{{cite news|author=Mark Mackinnon |url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/tension-in-crimea-as-pro-russia-and-pro-ukraine-groups-stage-competing-rallies/article17110382/#dashboard/follows/?cmpid=tgc |title=Globe in Ukraine: Russian-backed fighters restrict access to Crimean city |work=The Globe and Mail |date=27 February 2014 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| On 27 February a group of sixty Russian-speaking gunmen seized ] ] and ] building. They were said to be professionals and heavily armed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Prentice |first = Alessandra |url= http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=OBR&date=20140227&id=17388073 |title = Ukraine leader warns Russia after armed men seize government HQ in Crimea: Thomson Reuters Business News | work = Money | publisher = MSN | date=1999-12-31 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> The Ukrainian organization ] officially announced that it does not intend to participate in any conflict on the territory of Crimea.<ref>{{Citation | language = ] | title = правий сектор не братиме участь у регулювання ситуація у криму | url = http://dt.ua/UKRAINE/praviy-sektor-ne-bratime-uchast-u-vregulyuvanni-situaciyi-u-krimu-138514_.html | trans_title = "Right sector" will not take part in resolving the situation in Crimea | newspaper = ] | date = February 27, 2014}}.</ref> Under ], the ] (Crimea's parliament) held an emergency session to dismiss the ] and approved a no-confidence vote for ] to be replaced with ] of Crimea's ] party.<ref name="The Christian Science Monitor">, (27 February 2014).</ref> They voted to hold a ] on the status of Crimea on 25 May 2014. The new Prime Minister of Ukraine, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, warned "We must immediately declare that anyone who is on the streets with guns – these people are prosecuted by law".<ref>{{uk icon}} , ] (27 February 2014)</ref> | |||
| ], 28 February 2014]] | |||
| In the early hours of 28 February a group of 50–119<ref name="airport_seizure" /> armed men in military uniform without insignia of identification seized ].<ref>{{Citation | url = http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193305.html | title = About 50 armed men in military uniform seize Simferopol Airport in early hours of Friday | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> Later in the day, the ] was occupied in a similar manner as Simferopol's airport.<ref>{{Citation | title = Озброени люди взяли под контроль аэропорты в крыму (Armed people took control of airport in Crimea) | url = http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/ozbroe_ni_lyudi_uzyali_pid_kontrol_aeroporti_v_krimu_1912865 | trans_title = Armed people took under control airports in Crimea | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> A ] of the ] blocked the Balaklava Harbor, where ships of the ] are stationed.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.unian.ua/politics/891027-u-krimu-raketniy-kater-chf-rf-zablokuvav-vihid-ukrajinskim-prikordonnim-korablyam-djerelo.html | title = У криму ракетні катер чф рф заблокован вихід українськім прикордонник корабля (U krymu raketni kater chf rf zablokovan vykhid ukrayinsʹkim prykordonnyk korablya) | trans_title = In Crimea, the Black Sea Fleet missile boat blocked out Ukrainian border guard ships | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> Eight Russian military helicopters were moved to ] from ].<ref>{{Citation | url = http://zn.ua/POLITICS/yanukovich-pribyl-v-sevastopol-istochnik-139973_.html | title = янукович прибыл в севастополь (Yanukovich pribyl v Sevastopol') | trans_title = Eight Russian military helicopters arrived in Sevastapol | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> Serhiy Kunitsyn informed journalists that 13 Russian planes ] with ] landed in the Hvardiyske military airport (]).<ref name= "kunitsyn_planes">{{Citation | url = http://www.unian.ua/politics/891382-13-litakiv-z-rosiyskimi-desantnikami-pribuli-do-krimu-kunitsin.html | place = UA | title = літаків з російськими десантника прзібілі до риму куніцин (Litakiv z Rosiysʹkymy desantnyka przibili do Rymu Lunitsyn) | trans_title = aircraft with Russian paratrooper przibili Rome Kunitsyn | archiveurl = http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.unian.ua/politics/891382-13-litakiv-z-rosiyskimi-desantnikami-pribuli-do-krimu-kunitsin.html |archivedate=28 February 2014| language = Ukrainian | trans_title = 13 aircraft with Russian airborne troops arrived to Crimea – Kunitsyn | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> Kunitsyn stated that each plane may hold about 150 people.<ref name="kunitsyn_planes" /> The ] of Ukraine acknowledged the threat of possible takeovers of military units in Crimea during the night on Saturday by radical forces.<ref>{{Citation | title = міноборони в ніч на суботу радикал плану ют вторжение у військові частини в криму (Minoborony v nich na subotu radykal planu yut vtorzhenye u viysʹkovi chastyny v Krymu) | language = Ukrainian | url = http://www.unian.ua/politics/891422-minoboroni-v-nich-na-subotu-radikali-planuyut-vtorgnennya-u-viyskovi-chastini-v-krimu.html | trans_title = The Ministry of Defense: on Saturday night radicals planning the invasion of military units in Crimea | place = UA | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> Facing possible Russian intervention, US President ] stated that any military action would "Come at a cost," following his denunciation of Russian aggression in the region. | |||
| ===March=== | |||
| {{main |2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine}} | |||
| ] in ], 2 March 2014]] | |||
| ] | |||
| On 1 March the new Crimean Prime Minister ] appealed directly to Russian President ].<ref name="aksynov1">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26397323|title=Ukraine crisis: Crimea leader appeals to Putin for help|publisher=BBC News|date=2014-03-01|accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> Protests against the new authorities in Kiev and in support of Russians in Crimea occurred throughout ] and ] on March 1.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/1-front-top-news/160244-over-10000-protest-in-ukraines-pro-russia-city-of-donetsk.html |title=Over 10,000 protest in Ukraine's pro-Russia city of Donetsk|publisher=Business Insider|date=2014-03-01|accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> The acting president of Ukraine, Turchynov, signed a decree declaring the appointment of Sergei Aksyonov as the head of the government of Crimea to be unconstitutional.<ref name="gazeta1" /> Russian President Vladimir Putin formally asked the ] for permission to use Russian military forces in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rt.com/news/russia-troops-ukraine-possible-359/ |title=Putin requests senators' approval to send troops to Crimea |publisher=RT|date=2014-03-01|accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> Hours later, the Federation Council voted unanimously to grant permission.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/crimean-leader-claims-control-asks-putin-22729336 |title=Lawmakers Allow Putin to Use Military in Ukraine|publisher=ABC News|date=2014-03-01|accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2014/03/01/sovfed/ |title=Совет Федерации разрешил Путину ввести войска на Украину |publisher=Lenta |place=] |date=1 March 2014 |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> The Consulate of the Russian Federation in Simferopol started to issue Russian passports to residents of Ukraine.<ref name="berkut_russian">{{Citation |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/1/7016781/ |title=Russian passports already received nine ‘Berkuts' |newspaper=] |date=March 1, 2014}}.</ref> The ] was forced to leave its base in ],<ref name="navy_left">{{cite news |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/891650-korabli-ukrajinskogo-vmf-zalishili-sevastopol.html |title=Ukrainian Navy ships left Sevastopol |newspaper=] |date=March 1, 2014}}.</ref><ref name="navy_ukrinform">. ]. 1 March 2014</ref> as was the ].<ref name="navy_left" /><ref name="navy_ukrinform" /> Some journalists later claimed that this was disinformation posted by ].<ref name="navy_left" /> Ukrainian journalists were prohibited from entering the Crimean region.<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref> Ukrainian media reported that decisions to replace the government and hold a referendum in Crimea were falsified.<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref><ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref><ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref> According to ], vice president of the ], the ] was "considering authorizing defense arms package to Ukraine".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://twitter.com/DamonMacWilson/status/439934442509828097|title=Congress considering authorizing defense arms package to Ukraine.|publisher=Twitter|date=2014-03-01|accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://glavred.info/politika/v-ssha-zayavili-chto-mogut-dat-ukraine-oruzhie-i-vygnat-rossiyu-iz-g8-272738.html|title=В США заявили, что могут дать Украине оружие и выгнать Россию из G8|publisher=GlavRed.info|language=Russian|date=2014-03-02|accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> | |||
| On 2 March a Ukrainian marine infantry detachment stationed around ] was surrounded by armed men demanding surrender by 9 a.m. EET.<ref>. '']''. 2 March 2014</ref> The Ukrainian Navy building in Sevastopol was under siege and land-based assault by the Russian Army according to '']''.<ref name="pravda1">{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/2/7016948/ |title=Російські військові штурмують українську частину в Севастополі|work=Ukrayinska Pravda|date=2 March 2014|accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> ] reported that units of the ] assigned to Crimea were resigning on a "massive scale", as of March 2.<ref name="rtresign">{{cite news|url=http://rt.com/news/ukraine-military-russia-resign-437/|title=Ukrainian military resigning en masse in Crimea – reports|publisher=RT|date=2014-03-02|accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> "Acting President" Olexander Turchynov ordered all Ukrainian military reservists to be called up.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26405635 |title=Ukraine calls up reservists after Russian deployment|publisher=]|accessdate=2 March 2014}}</ref> At a Ukrainian military base near the village of ], there is an ongoing standoff between a handful of ] loyal to Kiev and the surrounding Russian/Crimean forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-03-02/extraordinary-stand-off-at-crimea-military-base/ |title=Extraordinary stand-off at Crimea military base|publisher=ITV News|date=2014-03-02|accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/02/ukraine-warns-russia-crimea-war-live| title=Ukraine warns Russia that Crimea intervention will lead to war – live|work=The Guardian|date=2014-03-02|accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> The newly appointed chief of the ], ], announced in a televised statement that he refuses to follow orders from the government in Kiev.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10669670/Ukraine-live.html |title=Ukraine: live | work=The Telegraph |date=3 Mar 2014 |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> He was replaced by ]. The government of Crimea announced the formation of its own Defence Ministry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/ukraines-integration-in-eu |title=Ukraine's integration in EU |place=] |publisher=Itar-tass |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> | |||
| According to Ukrainian officials, Ukrainian troops stationed in Crimea were urged to surrender by 4 March at 5 a.m. (0300 GMT) or face an armed confrontation via an ultimatum issued by Alexander Vitko, the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/03/03/ukraine-crisis-ultimatum-idINDEEA220EV20140303 | title=Russia gives Ukrainian forces in Crimea ultimatum to surrender – Interfax|publisher=Reuters |date=2014-03-03|accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> This ultimatum was however denied by Russian officials<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/03/russia-asks-ukrainian-navy-surrender-20143315502236327.html |title=Europe Russia 'demands Ukrainian navy surrender'|publisher=Al jazeera|date=2014-03-03 | accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> and no confrontations were reported after the deadline expired.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26427848 |title=Ukraine's Yanukovych asked for troops, Russia tells UN |publisher=] |accessdate=4 March 2014}}.</ref> Russian soldiers seized a ferry terminal in the city of ], the easternmost point of Crimea.<ref name="autogenerated2" /> | |||
| On March 4, 2014, the Kremlin supported "self-defense" of Crimea beaten up couple of Russians of Ukraine Hennadiy Balashov (]) and Andrei Kanishchev (]).<ref>. Telekritika. March 4, 2014</ref><ref>. Telekritika. March 4, 2014</ref> Later Balashov was kidnapped, beaten up, and robbed, but eventually was let go and on March 5, 2014 he left for Kiev.<ref>. Telekritika. March 5, 2014</ref> | |||
| On 5 March the Crimean government (ARC) announced that "more than 700 soldiers and officers" from the 50th, 55th and 147th antiaircraft missile regiments, stationed in ], ] and ] respectively, defected to the ARC side by "declaring their readiness to defend the population of Crimea".<ref name=defectorsvor/> This is in addition to the 204th Fighter Unit of the ], which defected on March 3.<ref name=defectorsvor/> Altogether, as of 5 March the Crimeans claim to have 6000 defectors from the Ukrainian Armed Forces on their side.<ref name=defectorsvor/> | |||
| Three deputies of the ] party submitted a bill in the ] on March 5 that would abolish the country's ], and make "Euro-Atlantic integration and ]" a foreign policy priority for Ukraine.<ref>{{citenews|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/ukrainian/news_in_brief/2014/03/140305_hk_rada_nato.shtml|title=У Раді зареєстрований проект про вступ до НАТО|publisher=BBC Ukrainian|language=Ukrainian|date=2014-03-05|accessdate=2014-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_03_05/Ukraine-lawmakers-register-NATO-entry-bid-2678/|title=Ukraine lawmakers register NATO entry bid|publisher=The Voice of Russia|date=2014-03-05|accessdate=2014-03-05}}</ref> | |||
| On March 5, 2014 the Crimean "self-defense" suppressed a small anti-war picket of local residents in Simferopol.<ref>. ]. March 5, 2014</ref> On March 5, 2014, 35 Russian soldiers again attacked the border checkpoint in Kerch threatening an armed assault on Ukrainian service personnel half which are females.<ref>. ]. March 5, 2014</ref> | |||
| ==Foreign (non-Russian) involvement== | |||
| On 2 March 2014, Pavel Chernev, former member of the nationalist ] party and current political secretary of "Orthodox Dawn" (Bulgarian: "Православна Зора") who is known for his pro-Putin views, revealed that the Bulgarian branch of the organization will be sending a group of Bulgarian volunteers to "protect ethnic Russians and ethnic Bulgarians from forceful Ukrainization". Chernev also claimed that they had already sponsored "tens of Orthodox fighters" (non-Bulgarian) to fly to ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cross.bg/organizatziyata-ykraiina-grypa-1398840.html#axzz2v29xhu18 |title=Православна Зора" праща българска група към Украйна|publisher=cross.bg|date=2014-03-02 | accessdate=2014-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blitz.bg/news/article/253466|title="Православна зора" праща бойна група в Украйна срещу Мамоническия Запад |publisher=blitz.bg|date=2014-03-02 | accessdate=2014-03-05}}</ref> Simeon Kostadinov, another former Attack member, representing the Nationalist Party in Bulgaria, and Chernev clarified that their mission has peaceful intentions, but will be prepared to give a good account of themselves in the unfortunate event of an escalation. Their contention is that the old regime was preferable from the standpoint of the Bulgarian minority in Ukraine and the new authorities lack legitimacy. Another small "international group" from the Pyrennean peninsula (supported by a Russian paramilitary organization) is also claimed to have left for Ukraine on 3 March. "Orthodox Dawn" have displayed interest in securing the backing of international actors for the ] and will try to recruit foreign election observers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://btvnews.bg/article/bulgaria/na-raba-na-voina.html|title=Бойци и националисти заминават за Украйна под знака на "Православна Зора|publisher=btvnews.bg|date=2014-03-04 | accessdate=2014-03-05}}</ref> | |||
| ==Economic consequences== | |||
| As a result of the crisis, the two leading indexes of the ] fell in trading on 3 March 2014: the ] declined 10.79 percent, equating to a loss in ] of nearly $60 billion, and the ] declined 12.01 percent to its lowest level since September 2009.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 March 2014 |title=Ruble, stocks slide over growing Ukraine tension |url=http://rt.com/business/russia-stock-fall-ukraine-524/ |newspaper=] |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Nq7BJ5FC |archivedate=5 March 2014 |accessdate=5 March 2014}}</ref> In response to this and the decline of the ], the ] raised its interest rate from 5.5 to 7.0% and spent up to ]12 billion in reserves to bolster the currency.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Lidia |last2=de Carbonnel |first2=Alissa |date=4 March 2014 |title=Russian markets plunge as Putin tightens Crimea grip |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/03/03/ukraine-crisis-idINDEEA1Q0JL20140303 |agency=] |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Nq7gRWK2 |archivedate=5 March 2014 |accessdate=5 March 2014}}</ref> The possibility for international sanctions against Russia has also been raised.<ref name=cnru>{{cite news|url=http://money.cnn.com/2014/03/02/news/economy/ukraine-economy/|title=Ukraine crisis: Why it matters to the world economy|publisher=CNN|date=2014-03-03|accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> | |||
| There are worries that Russian gas exports into Europe and Ukraine may become disrupted by the current conflict. Thirty percent of Europes's gas is imported from Russia, half of which flows through Ukrainian pipelines. On 1 March ] decided to halt the subsidies of Russian gas for Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-02/russia-gas-threat-shows-putin-using-pipelines-to-press-ukraine.html|title=Russia Gas Threat Shows Putin Using Pipes to Press Ukraine |publisher=bloomberg|date=2014-03-03|accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> The crisis could also affect worldwide grain supplies. Prices will likely rise because Ukraine is one of the world's largest exporters of wheat and grain.<ref name=cnru/> | |||
| ==Responses== | |||
| ===Ukraine=== | |||
| Three ex‐presidents of Ukraine accused Russia of interfering in Crimean affairs.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/192876.html | title = Three ex-Ukrainian presidents blame Russia for meddling in Crimean affairs | newspaper = Interfax | place = ] | date=26 February 2014}}.</ref> Ultimate coup beneficiary ] at the start of the protests warned that there is a "serious risk" of separatism in parts of the country.<ref name= "EN25214">{{Citation | url = http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/25/ukraine-leader-turchynov-warns-of-danger-of-separatism/ | title = Ukraine leader Turchynov warns of ‘danger of separatism’ | newspaper = ] | date = 25 February 2014}}.</ref><ref name="guardian226" /> On 27 February 2014, the ] claimed that regional referendum is impossible due to lack of necessary legislative basis for such.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/27/7016542/ | title = The CEC assured that Crimean referendum cannot be held | newspaper = ] | date = 27 February 2014}}.</ref> On 27 February 2014, the ] ] was instructed to develop a new law "about language".<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/27/7016552/ | title = Turchynov instructed to quickly develop a new language law | newspaper = ] | date = 27 February 2014}}.</ref> | |||
| The new ] ] stated in his maiden speech on 27 February "Ukraine will use all legal constitutional methods to preserve the territorial integrity of the state. Crimea was, is and will be a part of Ukraine!”.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/27/new-ukrainian-government-gets-to-work/ | title = New Ukrainian government gets to work | newspaper = ] | date = 27 February 2014}}.</ref> | |||
| On 27 February 2014, the MFA of Ukraine, in response to the MID statement, stated that the responsibility for non-compliance with the agreement on settlement of the crisis lies on President ].<ref name = "mzs_response">{{Citation | url = http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/28/7016571/ | title = Failure to comply with the Agreement on the crisis settlement lies on Yanukovych – Foreign Ministry | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> "In Ukraine, the importance of the crisis settlement Agreement, signed on 21 February 2014 by the lawful President of Ukraine and opposition leaders, and witnessed by officials of Germany, France and Poland, is honoured.<ref name="mzs_response" /> In this regard, we express disappointment that the representative of the Russian Federation, who also participated in the negotiation and drafting of the document, refused to testify this Agreement.<ref name="mzs_response" /> It is possible that it was that factor that become at the end one of the reasons for the rejection by the lawfully elected President of Ukraine to fulfill arrangements of the Agreement aimed at stabilizing the domestic life in the country," – said in the document.<ref name="mzs_response" /> | |||
| On 28 February 2014, the ] adopted a resolution on events in Crimea:<ref name= "verkhovna_rada">{{Citation | url = http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/28/7016584/ | title = Rada supported the resolution on Crimea against Russian intervention | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> "Verkhovna Rada demands from the Russian Federation to stop steps that have signs of encroachment on state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including to refuse supporting separatism in Ukraine in any form".<ref name= "verkhovna_rada" /><ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/rada_zaklikala_rosiyu_ne_zazihati_na_teritoriyu_ukraiini_1912961 | title = Rada urged Russia not to encroach on the territory of Ukraine | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> | |||
| The ] ] dismissed ] as the ]. During the ] Ilyin was reportedly preparing a military operation against the protest movement in Kiev. Ilyin reportedly had a heart attack after meeting with the newly appointed mayor of Sevastopol.<ref name="ilyin_fired">. ]. 28 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| Due to the events in Crimea, the ] of Ukraine initiated bilateral consultations with Russia and indicated its readiness to initiate consultations within the ] framework if it receives no response.<ref>. ] 28 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| The ] intended to raise the issue of the extradition of ], who was confirmed to be in Russia.<ref>. ] 28 February 2014.</ref> On 28 February, foreign observers speculated that Russia could extradite Yanukovych to the proper authorities only in exchange for Ukrainian non-intervention in Crimea.{{citation needed|date=February 2014}} on 28 February the ] ] formally asked Russia to extradite Yanukovych.<ref>. ] 28 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| On 28 February ], the leader of the ], denounced reports of Right Sector putting together armed units to be sent to Crimea; "Right Sector hopes that a way out of this difficult situation will be found exclusively in the political field, without using forcible methods. Right Sector believes that all parties and non-governmental organizations of Ukraine should forget strife and unite when it comes to the preservation of Ukraine's integrity. We should help politicians in settling this conflict peacefully".<ref>, ] (28 February 2014).</ref> On 1 March initial reports said that ] asked ], Chechen militant associated with ], for support of Ukraine;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lifenews.ru/news/128197 |title=Лидер "Правого сектора" Ярош обратился за помощью к Доку Умарову|publisher=Lifenews.ru |date= |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> but later it was announced about fake statement from his hacked account.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvrain.ru/articles/press_sekretar_pravogo_sektora_zajavil_o_vzlome_soobschestva_organizatsii_vkontakte-364143/ |title=Пресс-секретарь "Правого сектора" заявил о взломе сообщества организации ВКонтакте |publisher=Tvrain.ru |date= |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> | |||
| On 1 March 2014, the acting president of Ukraine sign an edict where he pointed out that appointment of Sergey Aksyonov as the Chairman of the Councils of Ministers of Crimea was in violation with the ] and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014.</ref> | |||
| The incumbent and two former presidents of Ukraine ], ] and ] called on Ukraine to renounce the ].<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref> Leonid Kuchma's press-center later denounced such a statement on behalf of Leonid Kuchma.<ref>. ]</ref> | |||
| On 1 March 2014, the acting President of Ukraine purportedly ordered the ] to full combat readiness.<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref> | |||
| On 1 March the Oblast council of ] voted to demand giving Russian language the status of second official language, stopping ″persecution of Berkut fighters″, disarming Maidan self-defense units and banning a number ] political organizations like ] and UNA-UNSO. For the case the authorities failed to comply with the demands, the Oblast council reserved itself the ″right to ask for help from the brotherly people of the Russian Federation.″<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gazeta.ua/ru/articles/politics/_oblsovet-luganskaya-ugrozhaet-razoruzhit-majdan-rukami-bratskoj-rossii/545140 |title=Облсовет Луганская угрожает разоружить Майдан руками "братской" России |publisher=Gazeta.ua |date= |accessdate=2014-03-02}}</ref> | |||
| The ] filed new charges against the President of Ukraine ], accusing him, among other charges, of calls to overthrow the constitutional order in Ukraine.<ref>. ]. 2 March 2014</ref> | |||
| On 4 March 2014 the district administration court of Kiev cancelled the decision of the council concerning no confidence vote to the Council of Ministers of Crimea and the appointment of Aksyonov as a chairman of the Council of Ministers of Crimea as well as declared illegal organization and conduct of local referendum on improving the status and powers of autonomy.<ref name="court_cancelled">. ]. 4 March 2014</ref> | |||
| ====Crimea==== | |||
| ] as their native language according to 2001 census (in regions).]] | |||
| Operations of the ] were suspended on 27 February 2014.<ref>. ]. 27 February 2014.</ref> The Ukrainians in Crimea called on Ukrainian officials to secure peace and security for Crimeans and for European officials to influence the Russian position in regards to separatist attitudes.<ref>. Interfax. 27 February 2014.</ref> The new chairman of the Council of Ministers hopes to receive financial help from the ] with support from ].<ref>. ]. 28 February 2014.</ref> In the telephone conversation ] explained ] (]) that Crimea does not want a secession, but only to expand its right.<ref>. ]. 28 February 2014.</ref> The former chief of the general staff ] was reported to be hospitalized with a heart attack in the Ukrainian Navy hospital in Sevastopol.<ref>. ]. 28 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| Members of the Crimean government have declared their acceptance of Yanukovych as the legitimate President of Ukraine, deputy chairman of the Crimean parliament Konstantin Bakharev has said: "Today, Yanukovych is the legitimate president," though he also addressed issues concerning him saying, "But we have questions for him, questions as the leader of the government about his moral responsibility before the society, before the party he once led, and before Crimeans."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sneider|first=Noah|title=Crimea’s Coward|url= http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2014/03/crimeans_protest_viktor_yanukovych_s_ouster_rallies_in_crimea_s_capital.html |publisher= Slate}}</ref> | |||
| ====Viktor Yanukovych==== | |||
| Late at night on 27 February 2014, the President of Ukraine, ], who is wanted along with ] under suspicion of mass killing of people,<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/26/7016394/ | title = Yanukovych and Zakharchenko are on the international wanted list | newspaper = ] | date = 26 February 2014}}.</ref> arrived in ] escorted by jet fighters.<ref name = "yanukovych_rostov">{{Citation | url = http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/28/7016578/ | title = Did Yanukovych indeed arrived to Rostov-na-Donu accompanied by fighters? | newspaper = ] | date = February 28, 2014}}.</ref> On 28 February he conducted a press-conference.<ref name = "yanukovych_rostov" /> In this press conference Yanukovych stated "Crimea must remain part of the Ukrainian state retaining broad autonomy rights".<ref name = "YCRIU28214">{{Citation | url = http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193467.html | title = Crimea must remain part of Ukraine, enjoy broad autonomy rights – Yanukovych | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref> According to him the unrest in Crimea was "an absolutely natural reaction to the bandit coup that has occurred in Kiev"; and he stated he was confident that the people of Crimea "do not want to obey and will not obey ] and bandits".<ref name = "YCRIU28214" /> He insisted that military action was "unacceptable" and that he would not request Russian military intervention.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26386946 | title = Ukrainian ex-leader Viktor Yanukovych vows fightback | newspaper = ] | date = 28 February 2014}}.</ref><ref name = "CrimeaRussiaOccupation">{{cite news|title=Ukraine crisis live: Russia admits its troops are moving in Crimea|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10666893/Ukraine-crisis-live-Russia-admits-its-troops-are-moving-in-Crimea.html | accessdate= 28 February 2014| place = UK | newspaper = The Telegraph}}</ref> Still on 4 March 2014 Russia's Permanent Representative to the ], ] showed a photocopy of the letter allegedly signed by Victor Yanukovich on 1 March 2014 where he demanded Russian military intervention in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Чуркин сообщил об обращении Януковича к Путину|url = http://lenta.ru/news/2014/03/04/yanukovich/ | place = ] |newspaper=]|date=4 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Russia=== | |||
| The ] Committee on ] Affairs, headed by ], visited Simferopol on 25 February 2014 and said: "If the parliament of the Crimean autonomy or its residents express the wish to join the Russian Federation, Russia will be prepared to consider this sort of application. We will be examining the situation and doing so fast."<ref>{{cite web|last=Rothkopf |first=David |url=http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2014/02/25/all_not_quiet_on_ukraine_s_eastern_front |title=All (Not) Quiet on Ukraine’s Eastern Front |publisher=Blog.foreignpolicy.com |date= |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> They also stated that in the event of a ] for Crimea region joining Russian Federation they would consider its results "very fast".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infowars.com/russia-may-be-preparing-to-annex-crimea/ |title=» Russia May Be Preparing to Annex Crimea Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind! |publisher=Infowars.com |date= |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Российские паспорта и присоединение к РФ: Депутаты Госдумы прибыли в Крым|url=http://gordonua.com/news/politics/Rossiyskie-pasporta-i-prisoedinenie-k-RF-Deputaty-Gosdumy-pribyli-v-Krym-11430.html|language=Ukrainian|newspaper=Gordonua|date=25 February 2014}}</ref> Later Slutsky announced that he was misunderstood by Crimean press and no decision regarding simplifying the process of acquiring Russian citizenship for people in Crimea has been made yet.<ref>{{cite news|title=В Госдуме опровергли данные о выдаче паспортов РФ жителям Крыма|url=http://www.aif.ru/euromaidan/uanews/1112843|language=Ukrainian|newspaper=]|date=25 February 2014}}</ref> And added that if "fellow Russian citizens are in jeopardy you understand that we do not stay away".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/25/7016276 |title=Росія обіцяє втрутитися, якщо ''росіянам в Україні буде загроза'' | Українська правда |publisher=Pravda.com.ua |date=2014-02-25 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> On 25 February in a meeting with Crimean politicians he stated that Viktor Yanukovych was still the legitimate president of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/25/7016292/ |title=У Росії Януковича все ще вважають президентом – Слуцький | Українська правда |publisher=Pravda.com.ua |date=2014-02-25 |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> That same day in the Russian Duma, they announced they were determining measures so that Russians in Ukraine who 'did not want to break from the Russian World' could acquire Russian citizenship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interfax.ru/world/news/361055 |title=Госдума России обсуждает меры по защите крымчан – Интерфакс |publisher=Interfax.ru |date= |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| On 26 February 2014 Russian President ] ordered the ] to be "put on alert in the ] as well as units stationed with the 2nd Army ] Command involved in aerospace defense, airborne troops and long-range military transport." Despite media speculation it was for in reaction to the events in Ukraine Russian Defense Minister ] said it was in separate consideration from the unrest in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|last=Alpert |first=Lukas I. |url=http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304709904579406310892324006 |title=Russia Orders Military Exercises Amid Ukraine Tension - WSJ.com |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date= |accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| On 27 February 2014, the ] dismissed any accusations about violation by the Russian side of the basic agreements in regards of the ]: "All movements of armored vehicles are undertaken in full compliance with the basic agreements and did not require any approvals".<ref>. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. 27 February 2014.</ref><ref>. ]. 27 February 2014.</ref> That claim was also supported by the Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia ].<ref>. RIA News. 27 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| On 27 February 2014, the Russian governing agencies presented the new law project on granting a citizenship.<ref>. RIA News. 27 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the West and particularly ] to "abandon the provocative statements and respect the neutral status of Ukraine".<ref name="mid_accusations">. ]. 27 February 2014.</ref> In its statement the ministry claims that agreement on settlement of the crisis which was signed on 21 February and was witnessed by foreign ministries from ], ] and ] has to this date, not been implemented<ref name="mid_accusations" /> (] from ] had not signed it<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/tensions-high-at-kyiv-protest-camp-despite-ground-breaking-deal-1.1697154|title=Tensions high at Kiev protest camp despite ground-breaking deal|publisher=]|date=21 February 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/tensions-high-at-kyiv-protest-camp-despite-ground-breaking-deal-1.1697154|archivedate=22 February 2014}}</ref>). | |||
| According to ], the political faction ] initiated in the State Duma amendments to the law on accession to the Russian Federation.<ref>. ]. 28 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| According to ] on 28 February the ] discontinued its further talks with Ukraine in regards to the ] project.<ref>. ]. 28 February 2014.</ref> However, on 3 March ], the Prime Minister of ], signed a decree creating a subsidiary of Russian Highways (]) to build a bridge at an unspecified location along the Kerch strait.<ref name="moscow_times_2014_03_04" /><ref>, ] (3 March 2014)</ref> | |||
| On Russian social networks there is a movement to gather volunteers who served in the Russian army to go to Ukraine.<ref>. ]. 28 February 2014.</ref> | |||
| On 28 February President Putin stated it was of "extreme importance of not allowing a further escalation of violence and the necessity of a rapid normalisation of the situation in Ukraine" in telephone calls with key EU leaders.<ref name="CrimeaRussiaOccupation" /> | |||
| The ] approved that Russia may introduce a limited contingent of Russian troops in Crimea{{Clarify|date=March 2014}}<!-- isn't it in WHOLE Ukraine? See Presidential request to FC here: http://kremlin.ru/news/20353 --> for the security of the Black Sea Fleet and the Russians.<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014.</ref> | |||
| In ], on March 2 an estimated 27,000 rallied in support of the Russian government's decision to intervene in Ukraine.<ref name="csmmoscow">{{cite news|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2014/0302/Vladimir-Putin-sees-small-protests-mass-support-for-troops-in-Ukraine-video|title=Vladimir Putin sees small protests, mass support for troops in Ukraine (+video)|publisher=The Christian-Science Monitor|date=2014-03-02|accessdate=2013-03-03}}</ref> Up to 15,000 participated in a similar rally in ], while around 12,000 rallied in ].<ref name=csmmoscow/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://voiceofrussia.com/2014_03_02/12-000-Krasnodar-people-hold-a-march-to-support-Ukrainian-compatriots-1374/|title=Mass marches held to support Ukrainian compatriots in big Russian cities|publisher=Voice of Russia|date=2014-03-02|accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> The rallies received considerable attention on Russian state TV and were officially sanctioned by the government.<ref name=csmmoscow/> | |||
| Meanwhile, on 1 March five people who were picketing next to the Federation Council building against the invasion of Ukraine were arrested.<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref> The next day about 200 people protested at the building of the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow against Russian military involvement.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.utro.ru/articles/2014/03/02/1179378.shtml| title =На антивоенных акциях в Москве задержаны 300 человек |publisher =Utro.ru| language=Russian|accessdate =2 March 2014}}</ref> About 500 people also gathered to protest on the ] in Moscow and the same number of people on the ] in Saint Petersburg.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://investigator.org.ua/news/120579/| title =В Москве и Перебурге проходят митинги против российской оккупации Крыма. Уже есть задержанные|language=Russian|publisher =Центр журналистских расследований| accessdate =2 March 2014 }}</ref> On March 2 about eleven protesters demonstrated in ] against Russian involvement, with some wrapped in the Ukrainian flag.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.kp.ru/online/news/1674924/| title =Жители Екатеринбурга провели пикеты против ввода российских войск в Крым |publisher ='']''|language=Russian| accessdate =2 March 2014 }}</ref> Protests were also held in ] on the same day.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.ura.ru/content/svrd/02-03-2014/news/1052176002.html| title = "Сколько детей ты готов похоронить, чтобы Крым стал частью России?" Первые антивоенные пикеты прошли на Урале|publisher =Ura.ru| language=Russian| accessdate =2 March 2014}}</ref> The opposition to the military intervention was also expressed by ] ], who wrote in particular: "You want war with Ukraine? It will not be the way ]: the folks on the Maidan have been hardened and know what they are fighting for - for their country, their independence. We have to live with them. Still neighborly. And preferably in friendship. But it's up to them how they want to live".<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.novayagazeta.ru/society/62540.html| title =Не стреляй! Шевчук, Гребенщиков, Макаревич. Антивоенная риторика |publisher ='']''| language=Russian|accessdate = 4 March 2014}}</ref> The Professor of the Department of Philosophy at the ] ] was fired for his article in '']'', criticizing Russian military intervention.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/rolling_news/2014/03/140304_rn_zubov_crimea_article.shtml| title =Профессора МГИМО увольняют после критики операции в Крыму |publisher =]| language=Russian|accessdate =4 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] (seated, middle) speaks to the press on March 4, denouncing ] as an "unconstitutional coup", and insisting that Moscow has a right to protect Russians in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/putin-reserves-the-right-to-use-force-in-ukraine/2014/03/04/92d4ca70-a389-11e3-a5fa-55f0c77bf39c_story.html|title=Putin defends Ukraine stance, cites lawlessness|publisher=Washington Post|date=2014-03-04|accessdate=2014-03-05}}</ref>]] | |||
| On 4 March 2014 at press conference in ] the ] ] expressed his view on the situation that if a revolution took place in Ukraine, it is a new country with which Russia did not conclude any treaties.<ref name="putin_renounced">. ]. 4 March 2014</ref> He brought up an analogy with events of 1917 in Russia, when as a result of the revolution the ] fell apart and a new state was created.<ref name="putin_renounced"/> However, he stated Ukraine would still have to honor its debts. | |||
| Russian politicians have speculated that there are already 143,000 Ukrainian refugees in Russia.<ref name="refugees">{{cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/03/02/07/46/russia-claims-thousands-fleeing-ukraine|title=Russia claims thousands fleeing Ukraine}}</ref> The ] refuted those claims of refugees increase in Russia.<ref>. ]. 4 March 2014</ref> At a briefing on 4 March 2014, the director of department of information policy of the ] of ] ] claimed that Russia was misinforming its own citizens as well as the entire international community to justify own actions in the Crimea.<ref>. ]. 4 March 2014</ref> Already on February 19 the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the Euromaidan revolution as the "]".<ref>. Lenta.ru. February 19, 2014</ref><ref>. ]. February 19, 2014</ref> | |||
| ==International reaction== | |||
| {{main|International reaction to the 2014 Crimean crisis}} | |||
| International reaction to the Crimean crisis has largely been critical of Russia's decision to intervene, supportive of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also supportive of finding a quick end to the crisis.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ukraine-crisis-world-leaders-react-unfolding-crisis-crimea-1438553|title=Ukraine Crisis: World Leaders React to Unfolding Disaster in Crimea|publisher=Ukraine Crisis: World Leaders React to Unfolding Disaster in Crimea|publisher=International Business Times|date=2014-03-02|accessdate=2014-03-04}}</ref> The ] and the ] have threatened sanctions against Russia for its role in the crisis.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140304p2g00m0in014000c.html|title=Sanctions threat grows as Ukraine tensions rise|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun|date=2014-03-04|accessdate=2014-03-04}}</ref> The ] has held three emergency sessions since 28 February.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/world/story/emergency-un-security-council-talks-ukraine-begin-20140304|title=Emergency UN Security Council talks on Ukraine begin|publisher=The Straits Times|date=2014-03-03|accessdate=2014-03-04}}</ref> The ] bloc of developed nations (the ] minus Russia) have made a joint statement condemning Russia and announcing that they will suspend preparations for the upcoming ], scheduled to be held in June.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/03/02/lawmakers-call-for-suspension-of-russia-from-g8-swift-action-against-putin/|title=Lawmakers call for suspension of Russia from G8, swift action against Putin}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/02/john-kerry-russia-putin-crimea-ukraine|title=Russia G8 status at risk over 'incredible act of aggression' in Crimea, says Kerry}}</ref> The ] has issued a joint statement urging Russia to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and for Ukraine to take into account its minority groups to not further break fragile relations. It has urged for Russia to act in full respect of Ukrainian and international law and in line with the provisions of the ].<ref></ref> | |||
| ==Commentary== | |||
| Several scholars, including ], ], ], and ], have discussed the possibility of Russian military intervention in Crimea specifically, due to its unique geopolitical nature and demographics.<ref>{{cite web|last= Babiak|first= Mat|url= http://ukrainianpolicy.com/is-russia-opening-a-crimean-front/ | title= Is Russia Opening a 'Crimean Front'?| publisher= Ukrainian Policy| accessdate= 21 February 2014 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://ukrainianpolicy.com/is-russia-opening-a-crimean-front/ | archivedate = 21 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Rothkopf |first=David |url = http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/02/26/dear_kremlin_careful_with_crimea |title= Dear Kremlin: Careful with Crimea | newspaper = Foreign policy |date= 2014-02-26 |accessdate= 2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| ], the great-granddaughter of former Soviet Premier ] and a Russian Affairs professor at the ], says that the aims of Crimea is not necessarily independence from Ukraine, but rather continued dependence on Russia. However, this has instead led Putin to justify continued backing for Yanukovych as well as his own desires to re-take the peninsula. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that Putin's long term goal may not be annexation of Crimea, since this could cause ethnic Crimean Tatars, who had been ], to demand a return to Crimea and possibly cause the Islamic insurgency to spread out of the Northern Caucasus. Furthermore, she also states that if Russia sets a precedent of recovering "lost territory", this could inspire countries such as ] or ] to demand back their own "stolen lands".<ref>{{cite news| url= http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/nina-l--khrushcheva-asks-whether-vladimir-putin-will-exploit-ukraine-s-disarray-to-reclaim-lost-territory|title=Russia's Crimean Shore? | publisher = Project Syndicate|date=2014-02-28|accessdate= 2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| Volodymyr Panchenko, of the Kiev-based think-tank ], says that the aim of Russia is for Crimea to be "more or less controlled by Russian troops," but that if or when a referendum is held "more than 80 percent" of votes would be for secession from Ukraine. The way events are unfolding in Crimea "is not a good precedent for the ]."<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.dw.de/historical-tensions-bubble-up-in-crimea/a-17465196 |title=Historical tensions bubble up in Crimea | newspaper =Deutsche Welle|date=2014-02-28|accessdate= 2014-03-01}}</ref> | |||
| Russian opposition leader ], former US National Security Advisor ], Ukrainian MP ] (]), former foreign minister of the Czech Republic, ], as well as the Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada ] compared Russia's actions to Nazi Germany's policy before the start of ], after the ].<ref>{{Citation | title = Crimea invasion: Putin acting like Hitler in Ukraine land snatch | newspaper = The IB Times | place = ] | url = http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/crimea-invasion-putin-acting-like-hitler-ukraine-land-snatch-1438714}}.</ref><ref>{{cite news| last= Reitschuster|first= Boris|title=Sochi is to Putin what Berlin in 1936 was to Hitler, says Garry Kasparov|url= http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/feb/07/sochi-vladimir-putin-hitler-berlin-garry-kasparov |newspaper=The Guardian|date=7 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | title = Video | publisher = CNBC | url = http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000251410}}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | newspaper = CBC | place = ] | title = John Baird compares Russia’s Ukraine response to Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia | url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/john-baird-compares-russia-s-ukraine-response-to-nazi-invasion-of-czechoslovakia-1.2558118}}.</ref> | |||
| Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi, ], described Putin's accusations of anti-semitism from Ukrainians towards Jews as a pretense for invasion as "what the Nazis did during the time of the Anschluss in Austria."<ref>{{Citation | title = Ukraine’s chief Rabbi on claims of Ukrainian | newspaper = Project Maidan | url = http://projectmaidan.com/post/78566439139/ukraines-chief-rabbi-on-claims-of-ukrainian}}.</ref> | |||
| ] professor of political science ] was allegedly fired for comparing the Russian invasion to the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938.<ref>{{Citation | language = ] | title = Professora mgimo uvolili za statyu ob Ukraine tri goda nazad eto nelzya bylo predstavit | newspaper = Slon | place = ] | url = http://slon.ru/russia/professora_mgimo_uvolili_za_statyu_ob_ukraine_tri_goda_nazad_eto_nelzya_bylo_predstavit-1066297.xhtml}}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | title = Interview in Crimea: Putin has lost his mind | url = http://www.rferl.org/content/interview-in-crimea-putin-has-lost-his-mind/25284114.html | newspaper = RFERL}}.</ref> However, these rumors were later dispelled by the university's rector, ]. | |||
| ], the ]-era US Ambassador to the Soviet Union, writes that the reaction in Washington and European capitals to the crisis is one of "hysteria" and he believes US President ] erred when Obama made a public warning to Russian President ] about intervening in Ukraine.<ref name="matlock">{{cite news|url=http://jackmatlock.com/2014/03/ukraine-the-price-of-internal-division/ | title =Ukraine: The Price of Internal Division| first =Jack F | last = Matlock|date= 2014-03-01| accessdate = 2014-03-04}}</ref> Matlock hypothesizes that Ukraine's current predicament stems from its failure to overcome its internal divisions or to "unite its citizens in a shared concept of Ukrainian identity".<ref name=matlock/> Matlock believes that Russia is behaving rationally, as it feels threatened by ] towards its borders and provocative policies and actions by ]s based in the ].<ref name=matlock /> | |||
| Commentators speculated as to whether ] tactics might be used, or whether the Crimean crisis could result in the start of a second ] or it could become a ].<ref name = "GuardianObserverCrimeaSecondColdWar">{{cite web | url = http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/02/crimea-crisis-russia-ukraine-cold-war |title=The crisis in Crimea could lead the world into a second cold war |last=Trenin | first =Dmitri | newspaper = ] | publisher = The Guardian}}</ref><ref name = "IndiaCantIgnoreCrimea">{{cite web |url = http://www.firstpost.com/world/another-cold-war-why-india-cant-ignore-the-crimea-crisis-in-ukraine-1416011.html | title = Another Cold War? India can’t ignore Crimea crisis in Ukraine | last= Sharma |first= Rajeev | work =First Post World}}</ref> | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| {{portal|Crimea|Ukraine|Russia|2010s|Politics}} | |||
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| ==Notes== | |||
| {{reflist|group=nb}} | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} | |||
| ==Further reading== | |||
| * {{cite journal |last=Bremmer |first=Ian |authorlink=Ian Bremmer |title=The Politics of Ethnicity: Russians in the New Ukraine |journal=Europe-Asia Studies |volume=46 |issue=2 |pages=261–283 |year=1994 |doi=10.1080/09668139408412161 }} | |||
| * {{cite book |last=Hagendoorn |first=A. |last2=Linssen |first2=H. |last3=Tumanov |first3=S. V. |title=Intergroup Relations in States of the former Soviet Union: The Perception of Russians |location=New York |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2001 |isbn=1-84169-231-X }} | |||
| * {{cite book |last=Legvold |first=Robert |title=Russian Foreign Policy in the Twenty-first Century and the Shadow of the Past |location=New York |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-231-51217-6 }} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{Commons category}} | |||
| * on ] | |||
| * on ] | |||
| {{2014 Crimean crisis}} | |||
| {{Crimea topics}} | |||
| {{Ukraine topics}} | |||
| {{Euromaidan}} | |||
| {{Ongoing protests}} | |||
| {{Anti-government protests in the 21st century}} | |||
| {{Post-Cold War European conflicts}} | |||
| {{Russian Conflicts}} | |||
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