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| {{About|the independence crisis in Crimea|the Russian military intervention there|2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine|pro-Russian protests in Ukraine outside of Crimea|2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine}} | |||
| {{R from merge}} | |||
| {{pp-sock|expiry=17 April 2014|small=yes}} | |||
| {{pp-move|expiry=2014-06-05 04:55:46|small=yes}}{{pp-move |expiry=2014-06-05 04:55:46|small=yes}} | |||
| {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2014}} | |||
| {{Use American English|date=March 2014}}{{Merge from|2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine|discuss=Talk:2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine#Merge with 2014 Crimean crisis|date=March 2014}} | |||
| {{POV|date=April 2014}} | |||
| {{2014 Crimean crisis infobox}} | |||
| {{Campaignbox Post-Soviet conflicts}} | |||
| The '''Crimean crisis''' is an ongoing ] principally involving ]. Most developments apply to the ], a multi-ethnic region which until February 2014 was administered by Ukraine as the ] and the administratively separate municipality of ], both are populated by an ] majority and a minority of both ethnic ] and ]. Currently, the Crimean Peninsula is administered by the ] as the ]. | |||
| The crisis unfolded in late February 2014 in the aftermath of the ], which resulted in ] ]'s impeachment by the ] after his flight from the capital, setting May 25 for ], the appointment of an interim President, and the formation of ]. The ] attained recognition from Western countries.<ref name="themoscowtimes.com">, ] (28 February 2014)</ref><ref>, ] (27 February 2014)</ref><ref>, ] (27 February 2014)</ref><ref>, ] (27 February 2014)</ref> However, Russia accuses the United States and the E.U. of funding and directing the 'revolution'<ref>http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/02/06/349524/us-accused-of-funding-ukraine-rioters/</ref> and furthermore holds that Yanukovych was illegally impeached and continues to regard him as Ukraine’s legitimate president,<ref name=autogenerated8></ref>{{efn|Lally; Englund (2014) "The current government is illegitimate, Russia contends, because Yanukovych was not properly removed from power in a formal impeachment."<ref name="The Washington Post">{{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 |first1=Kathy |last1=Lally |first2=Will |last2=Englund |publisher=] |date={{date|2014-03-04}} |accessdate={{date|2014-03-13}} }}</ref>}} while considering the Yatsenyuk government illegitimate and the result of a ].<ref name=autogenerated8 />{{efn|name=cnn-2014-moscow-denounced|Gumuchian; Morgan; Chance (2014) "Moscow has denounced the events that led to Yanukovych's ouster as an illegitimate coup and has refused to recognize the new Ukrainian authorities, putting the two countries on a collision course over control of Crimea, which has longstanding ties to Russia and has thousands of Russian troops stationed there."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/09/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/ |title=Demonstrators rally as Crimea crisis mounts |date={{date|2014-03-10}} |accessdate={{date|2014-03-10}} |publisher=] |first1=Marie-Louise |last1=Gumuchian |first2=Kellie |last2=Morgan |first3=Matthew |last3=Chance }}</ref>}}{{efn|Dawber (2014) "Vladimir Putin has given a confident performance in front of the media, insisting that the events of the last 10 days in Ukraine amounted to nothing less than a coup d’état."<ref name=Guardian> '']'' Retrieved on March 16, 2014</ref><ref name="Dawber">{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-how-do-you-solve-a-problem-like-crimea-9169236.html |title=Ukraine crisis: How do you solve a problem like Crimea? |first=Alistair |last=Dawber |date={{date|2014-03-05}} |accessdate={{date|2014-03-10}} |newspaper=] }}</ref>}}{{efn|''The Washington Post'' (2014) " Are the current authorities legitimate? The Parliament is partially, but all the others are not. The current Acting President is definitely not legitimate. There is only one legitimate President, from a legal standpoint. Clearly, he has no power. However, as I have already said, and will repeat: Yanukovych is the only undoubtedly legitimate President."<ref name="http">{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/transcript-putin-defends-russian-intervention-in-ukraine/2014/03/04/9cadcd1a-a3a9-11e3-a5fa-55f0c77bf39c_story.html |title=Transcript: Putin defends Russian intervention in Ukraine |newspaper=] |date={{date|2014-03-08}} |accessdate={{date|2014-03-10}} }}</ref>}}<ref name="ReferenceA">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-feffer/who-are-these-people-anyw_b_4964526.html Who Are These 'People,' Anyway?</ref><ref name=RadioFreeEurope>{{cite web|last=Sindelar |first=Daisy |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/was-yanukovychs-ouster-constitutional/25274346.html |title=Was Yanukovych's Ouster Constitutional? |publisher=Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty (Rferl.org) |date=February 23, 2014 |accessdate=February 25, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Beginning on February 26, pro-Russian forces, many of which were widely believed to be Russian military without insignia,<ref>""</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera English">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/03/warning-shots-end-osce-crimea-entry-bid-20143815135639790.html |title=Warning shots end OSCE Crimea entry bid – Europe |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date= |accessdate=2014-03-11}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26414600|title=Ukraine crisis: Russia vows troops will stay|date=3 March 2014|accessdate=3 March 2014|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref name="Jones">{{cite web|last=Jones |first=Sam |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a701f3e8-a527-11e3-8988-00144feab7de.html#axzz2vFnXrLQx |title=US scorns Russia's version of Crimean intervention |work=Financial Times |date=21 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Reuters">{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/12/us-ukraine-crisis-osce-idUSBREA2B1C120140312 |title=OSCE team say Crimea roadblock gunmen threatened to shoot at them |publisher=Reuters |date= |accessdate=2014-03-14}}</ref><ref name = "NYT">{{cite news| url = http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/28/world/europe/crimea-ukraine.html |title=Gunmen Seize Government Buildings in Crimea|work=The New York Times|date= 27 February 2014|accessdate= 1 March 2014 |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 name="reuters.com">{{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 | agency =Reuters|date=1 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite news| agency = Reuters | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/01/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140301 | date = 1 March 2014 | title= Putin ready to invade Ukraine; Kiev warns of war| postscript = {{inconsistent citations}} }}</ref><ref name="upi.com">{{Cite news | url = http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/28/Telecom-services-sabotaged-in-Ukraines-Crimea-region/7611393621345/ | title = Telecom services sabotaged in Ukraine's Crimea region | agency = United Press International | accessdate = 28 February 2014}}</ref> began to gradually take control of the Crimean peninsula. During this time, the question of joining the Russian Federation was put to a ], which had an official turnout of 83 per cent and resulted in a 96.77% (Crimea) and 95.6% (Sevastopol) affirmative vote <ref>http://www.voanews.com/content/voting-under-way-in-crimea-referendum-to-join-russia/1872380.html</ref> but has been condemned by the E.U., the U.S., Ukrainian and ] officials as contrary to Ukraine's constitution and to international law.<ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26595776</ref><ref>http://m.strategic-culture.org/news/2014/03/14/referendum-in-crimea-and-international-law.html</ref><ref>http://www.voanews.com/content/voting-under-way-in-crimea-referendum-to-join-russia/1872380.html</ref><ref>. ]</ref> On March 17, the Crimean Parliament declared independence from Ukraine and asked to join the Russian Federation.<ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26609667</ref> On March 18 Russia and Crimea signed a ].<ref>http://news.yahoo.com/excerpts-putins-speech-crimea-170614514.html</ref><ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26652058</ref> On March 27, the ] passed a non-binding ] that declared the Crimean referendum invalid and the incorporation of Crimea into Russia illegal.<ref>{{cite news|last=Charbboneau|first=Louis|title=U.N. General Assembly declares Crimea secession vote invalid|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/27/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA2Q1GA20140327|accessdate=30 March 2014|newspaper=Reuters|date=27 March 2014}}</ref><ref>en.itar-tass.com/russia/725802</ref> On April 15, Ukrainian parliament declared Crimea as a temporarily occupied territory by Russia.<ref name="apr15" /> | |||
| {{TOC limit|3}} | |||
| ==Background== | |||
| {{see also|History of Crimea|Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances|2010 Kharkiv Pact}} | |||
| {{multiple image | |||
| | direction = vertical | |||
| | image1 = Crimea republic map 2.png | |||
| | caption1 = Map of the Crimean peninsula. The Autonomous Republic of Crimea is colored yellow while Sevastopol is colored red. | |||
| | image2 = Distribution of ethnic groups in Crimea 2001.png | |||
| | caption2 = Distribution of ethnicities in the Crimean peninsula according to ]. Ethnic Russians comprise a majority at 58%.<ref name="online.wsj.com">http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304185104579439232215134884 Fear and Loathing Builds in Crimea Ahead of Vote</ref>}} | |||
| The ], a ] from 1441, of the ], was ] by the ] in 1783.<ref name=Turkey>{{cite news|last=Keating|first=Joshua|title=Turkey's Black Sea Blues|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2014/03/06/black_sea_blues_why_turkey_is_so_worried_about_crimea.html|accessdate=6 March 2014|newspaper=Slate|date=6 March 2014}}</ref> Following its incorporation into the Russian Empire, Crimea became the "heart of ]" and the region continued to attract vacationers well after the Russian Empire was replaced by 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 |accessdate=5 March 2014 |newspaper=Politico|date=2 March 2014}}</ref> The ] have undergone ] in the past centuries.{{efn|Emil (2010) " between 1443 and 1783, a strong and prosperous state, the crimean '''' Khanate, ruled most of the people making up the Crimean Tatars. After Russia conquered the Khanate, Catherine the Great gave away the larger and better parts of the region to her close advisors and friends, who soon seized all Tatar lands. This led to the first mass emigration of Crimean Tatars, beginning an exodus, mostly to Turkey, that continues today.<ref name="Cultural Society">{{cite web |url=http://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/population-transfer-the-crimean-tatars-return-home |title=POPULATION TRANSFER: The Crimean Tatars Return Home |date={{date|2010-03-05}} |accessdate={{date|2014-03-13}} |publisher=] }}</ref>}}{{efn|Flintoff (2013) "In 1944, on the orders of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, the entire population of Tatars on the Crimean Peninsula was rounded up and sent to the deserts of Soviet Central Asia. Nearly 70 years after that wartime atrocity, the Tatar population is still working to reassert itself in its homeland."<ref name="Flintoff">{{cite news |url=http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/12/16/246716295/once-victims-of-stalin-ukraines-tatars-reassert-themselves |title=Once Victims Of Stalin, Ukraine's Tatars Reassert Themselves |first=Corey |last=Flintoff |date={{date|2013-11-23}} |accessdate={{date|2014-03-13}} |publisher=] }}</ref>}}{{efn|Ghosh (2014) "The Tatars once dominated the Crimean peninsula, but they are now a minority there, accounting for only about 12 percent of the population."<ref name="Ghosh">{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/ukraine-maidan-tatars-crimea-caught-complex-conflict-ethnic-russians-ukrainians-1558124 |title=Ukraine Maidan: Tatars In Crimea Caught In a Complex Conflict With Ethnic Russians And Ukrainians |first=Palash |last=Ghosh |publisher=] |date={{date|2014-02-26}} |accessdate={{date|2014-03-13}} }}</ref>}}<ref name="news.yahoo.com">http://news.yahoo.com/west-readies-sanctions-russia-crimea-vote-124719200--politics.html West readies sanctions on Russia after Crimea vote</ref> | |||
| Crimea had autonomy within the ] as the ] from 1921 until 1945, when ] ] and abolished Crimean autonomy.<ref name="Separatism-Danger">{{Cite journal|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26367786 |title=What is so dangerous about Crimea? |publisher=BBC |date=27 February 2014}}</ref> In 1954, the Soviet Union under ] ] the ] from the ] to the ], in a "symbolic gesture" that seemed insignificant at the time, since both republics were a part of the Soviet Union.<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|publisher=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><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.welt.de/geschichte/article125714881/War-der-Dnjepr-Kanal-der-Grund.html|title=Krim-Übertragung : War der Dnjepr-Kanal der Grund? – Nachrichten Geschichte – DIE WELT<!-- Bot generated title -->|work=welt.de}}</ref> Crimea's pre-1945 autonomy was re-established with the ] in 1991, the ]'s existence.<ref name=Sasse>{{cite news|last=Sasse|first=Gwendolyn|title=Crimean autonomy: A viable alternative to war?|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/03/crimean-autonomy-a-viable-alternative-to-war/|accessdate=6 March 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=3 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| 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=The 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=The 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=The 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=The 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">{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26367786 |title=What is so dangerous about Crimea? |publisher=BBC |date=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=The 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=Sasse/><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 |agency=Ukrinform|date=18 July 2012}}</ref> Crimean officials would later seek to restore the powers of the previous constitution.<ref name=NewCon/> | |||
| The further developments in Crimea and the future of the ] base in ] there have been a point of contention in Russian-Ukrainian relations.<ref name="Russian-Ukrainian-Relations">{{cite web|url=http://belfercenter.hks.harvard.edu/publication/2934/crimea_and_the_black_sea_fleet_in_russian_ukrainian_relations.html |title=Crimea and the Black Sea Fleet in Russian-Ukrainian Relations |first=Victor |last=Zaborsky |date=September 1995}}</ref> Under the now defunct ] determining the fate of the military bases and vessels in Crimea – signed in 1997 and prolonged in 2010 – Russia was allowed to have up to 25,000 troops, 24 artillery systems (with a caliber smaller than 100 mm), 132 armored vehicles, and 22 military planes, on the Crimean peninsula. The Russian Black Sea fleet was given basing rights in Crimea until 2042.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} | |||
| According to the ], ] make up about 58% of the two million residents of ]. In Sevastopol, which houses a base for the ]'s Black Sea Fleet, ethnic Russians make up 70% of the city's population of 340,000.<ref name="globe26">{{cite news|first=Mark |last=Mackinnon |url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/tension-in-crimea-as-pro-russia-and-pro-ukraine-groups-stage-competing-rallies/article17110382/#dashboard/follows/ |title=Globe in Ukraine: Russian-backed fighters restrict access to Crimean city |work=The Globe & Mail |date=27 February 2014}}</ref> ] make up 24% of the Crimean population, while 12% are ].<ref name="Separatism-Danger" /><ref name="globe26" /> Ethnic Russians did not become the largest population group in Crimea until the 20th century,{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} after Soviet leader Joseph Stalin ordered the deportation of the Crimean Tatars in 1944 for alleged collaboration with Nazi invaders in World War Two.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26367786 Why Crimea is so dangerous</ref><ref name="Census of the Russian Empire">{{cite news |url=http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/rus_lan_97_uezd_eng.php |place=Russia |title=Breakdown of population by mother tongue and districts in 50 Governorates of the European Russia |publisher=Institute of Demography}}</ref> Crimean Tatars were not permitted to return to Crimea after their deportation in 1944, and became an international ],<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 return of Crimean Tatars to their homeland in Crimea since the Soviet collapse has caused persistent tensions with the Russian population of the peninsula.<ref name="pp. 142-151">{{cite web|title=Institutional Legacies of Communism: Change and Continuities in Minority Protection|publisher=Routledge|year=2013|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=RuzidRYDNnoC&pg=PA149&dq=%22crimean+tatars%22+ukrainians&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sk8dU8LJNZfkoASX3YCYCA&ved=0CFsQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22crimean%20tatars%22%20ukrainians&f=false|title=pp. 142–151|work=books.google.com|isbn=1135036667}}</ref> A news report claimed pro-Russian forces marking "X" on the doors of houses of Crimean Tatars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/crimea-votes-to-leave-ukraine-in-secession-referendum-and-join-russia-1.2574719|title=Crimea votes to leave Ukraine in secession referendum and join Russia|work=cbc.ca|publisher=CBC News}}</ref> The leader of the ] ] protested against the intervention of Russia.<ref name="zn.ua">{{cite web|url=http://zn.ua/POLITICS/krymskie-tatary-gotovy-dat-otpor-popytkam-ottorzheniya-avtonomii-ot-ukrainy-138867_.htmlКрымские|title=татары готовы дать отпор попыткам отторжения автономии от Украины|work=zn.ua}}</ref> | |||
| In the ], the ] received 357,030 votes, while the second-placed ] received 54,172 votes.<ref name="interfax.com.ua">{{cite web|url=http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/52929/|title=Regions Party gets 80 of 100 seats on Crimean parliament|publisher=]|date=11 November 2010}}</ref> Both parties were targeted by protesters during the ].<ref name="Al Jazeera">{{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|publisher=Al Jazeera |date=January 2014}}</ref><ref name="У Сумах розгромили офіс ПР">{{cite web|url=http://www.theinsider.ua/politics/5305275f007e4/ |title=У Сумах розгромили офіс ПР |publisher=The Insider |place=UA}}</ref><ref name="В Киеве разгромили офис ЦК КПУ">{{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|work=Gazeta |place=UA |date=22 February 2014 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://gazeta.ua/ru/articles/np/_v-kieve-razgromili-ofis-ck-kpu/543687|archivedate=22 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| In July 2011, ] the former president of Crimea (1994–95) called for a referendum on restoring the 1992 version of the ]. The District Administrative Court of Crimea responded by deporting Meshkov from Ukraine for a period of 5 years.<ref name="13 July 2011 MD">{{uk icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2011/07/13/6384087/|title=ЕКС-ПРЕЗИДЕНТА КРИМУ ВИСЛАЛИ З УКРАЇНИ|trans-title=Ex-President of Crimea sent FROM UKRAINE|publisher=]|date=13 July 2011}}</ref> | |||
| According to the ]-based think tank "International Centre for Defense Studies", since ] in 2004, Russia has pressured Ukraine against closely associating 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 2006–08 ]. Each of Ukraine's attempts to achieve ] has led to increased Russian hostility to the idea via its use of information campaign.<ref name="icds">{{cite web |url=http://www.icds.ee/fileadmin/failid/Merle%20Maigre%20-%20Crimea%20the%20Achilles%20Heel%20of%20Ukraine.pdf |title=Crimea – The Achilles' Heel of Ukraine |publisher=International Centre for Defense Studies |date=November 2008 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="psi.ulaval.ca">{{cite web|url=http://www.psi.ulaval.ca/fileadmin/psi/documents/Documents/Travaux_et_recherches/Crimee.pdf|title=Russian ‘separatism’ in Crimea and NATO: Ukraine's big hope, Russia's grand gamble|work=psi.ulaval.ca|format=PDF|first=Elena|last=Mizrokhi|date=August 2009}}</ref> Russia opposes Ukrainian integration with the West for various reasons, including a fear of ] expanding to Russia's Western borders<ref name=Koren>{{cite news|last=Koren|first=Marina|title=What Putin Fears Will Happen in Ukraine|url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/what-putin-fears-will-happen-in-ukraine-20140305|accessdate=6 March 2014|newspaper=National Journal|date=5 March 2014}}</ref> and Russia's claimed desire to include Ukraine in a ].<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=The 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 name="opendemocracy.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/taras-kuzio/crimea-%E2%80%93-from-playground-to-battleground|title=Crimea – from playground to battleground|work=opendemocracy.net|date=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}} | |||
| At the end of 2013, ] protests (around 400,000 – 800,000 people in ], and hundreds of thousands in other Ukrainian cities and abroad)<ref name=atlantic800k>{{cite news|last=Whitmore|first=Brian|title=Putin's Growing Threat Next Door|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/12/putins-growing-threat-next-door/282103/|newspaper=The Atlantic|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> began after President ] postponed the signing of ] under severe economic pressure from Russia, even though previously he had considered this agreement one of his key objectives and stated it on multiple occasions.<ref name="economist.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21590977-viktor-yanukovych-hijacking-ukrainians-european-future-stealing-their-dream|title=Ukraine and the EU: Stealing their dream|work=economist.com}}</ref><ref name="kyivpost.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/yanukovych-sees-association-agreement-with-eu-as-p-125325.html|title=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/yanukovych-sees-association-agreement-with-eu-as-p-125325.html|work=kyivpost.com}}</ref> Instead, Yanukovych struck a deal with Putin which meant, among other things, that Russia would buy $15 billion in Ukrainian bonds, and discount gas prices to Ukraine by one-third.<ref name="businessweek.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-12-17/ukraine-cuts-a-deal-it-could-soon-regret|title=Ukraine Cuts a Deal It Could Soon Regret|work=businessweek.com}}</ref> Opposition leaders were suspicious of the true cost to Ukraine for Russian support.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/17/viktor-yanukovych-vladimir-putin_n_4458806.html|title=Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych Meets With Putin In Moscow Amid Mass Protests|work=huffingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/ukrainian-opposition-wants-to-know-what-agreements-yanukovych-reached-with-putin-in-sochi-333210.html|title=Ukrainian opposition wants to know what agreements Yanukovych reached with Putin in Sochi|work=kyivpost.com}}</ref> The majority of protesters held liberal ] (], ], and other forces). Much less popular, but still influential ] parties and movements were also represented and, to a certain extent, supported the idea of ], too. | |||
| After the ] and the adoption of ], the protests took an anti-government and anti-corruption turn, escalated in early 2014 and eventually led to deaths of both protesters and police on January 22<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-25843988|title=Two protesters killed in Kiev clashes|work=bbc.com}}</ref> and between February 18 and February 20. 103 people were killed and 1419 injured.<ref name="en.ria.ru">{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20140321/188603177/Death-Toll-From-Unrest-in-Ukraine-Rises-to-103.html|title=Death Toll From Unrest in Ukraine Rises to 103|work=en.ria.ru}}</ref> According to most reports in Ukraine, violence was used mostly by the police.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/ukraine-protesters-force-riot-police-independence-square-kiev-battle-control|title=Ukraine violence: dozens killed as protesters clash with armed police|work=theguardian.com}}</ref> Numerous snipers killed dozens of protesters. The snipers' identities are still disputed. According to the official investigation,<ref>""</ref><ref>""</ref><ref>""</ref> the pro-European opposition and the majority of Ukrainian and Western media, they were hired by Yanukovych and his circle and/or the Russian secret services,<ref name="tymoshenko.ua">{{cite web|url=http://www.tymoshenko.ua/uk/press/yulia_tymoshenko_19_03_2014_1|title=Yulia Tymoshenko: Putin's aggression against Ukraine isn't a local conflict – it threatens the democratic world|work=tymoshenko.ua}}</ref> which had also planned a large military operation to 'cleanse' protesters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/russia-ukraine-feud-over-sniper-carnage-203319580.html|title=Russia, Ukraine feud over sniper carnage|work=news.yahoo.com}}</ref><ref name="businessinsider.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/thibauld-malterre-dmytro-gorshkov-yanukovych-had-plans-to-crush-protests-2014-2|title=Documents Show Ukraine's Ousted President Planned To 'Cleanse' Protesters|work=businessinsider.com}}</ref><ref name="theguardian.com">""</ref> On February 20, acting Interior Minister ] announced in a video address to the nation that combat weapons had been provided to the police and announced the beginning of an operation to disperse the protesters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-police-have-been-provided-with-combat-weapons-interior-minister-337238.html|title=Ukrainian police have been provided with combat weapons – interior minister|work=Kyiv Post |accessdate=21 February 2014|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-police-have-been-provided-with-combat-weapons-interior-minister-337238.html|archivedate=21 February 2014}}</ref> ] published video footage of police special forces shooting protesters with ] and sniper rifles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25270798.html|title=ВІДЕОФАКТ: силовики, втікаючи, стріляли з автоматів Калашникова|year=2014|publisher=Radio Svoboda|language=uk|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25270798.html|archivedate=21 February 2014}}</ref> Several pro-Yanukovych politicians openly called for 'cleansing' protesters.<ref>"</ref> Despite these facts, Yanukovych denied his regime's involvement in the massacre.<ref>""</ref> Some allegations that the snipers were hired by the revolutionaries appeared.<ref name="independent.co.uk">http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/ukraine-kiev-snipers-reportedly-hired-by-opposition-leaders-not-yanukovich-according-to-bugged-call-9171328.html</ref> On February 21, President Yanukovych and the opposition leaders signed a compromise deal that was brokered by the foreign ministers of France, Poland and Germany,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.debka.com/article/23700/Yanukovych-refuses-to-resign---and-goes-missing-in-E-Ukraine-Tymoshenko-seizes-opposition-center-stage-in-Kiev|title=Yanukovych refuses to resign – and goes missing in E. Ukraine. Tymoshenko seizes opposition center stage in Kiev<!-- Bot generated title -->|work=debka.com}}</ref><ref name="auswaertiges-amt.de">{{cite web|url=http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/671350/publicationFile/190051/140221-UKR_Erklaerung.pdf|title=Agreement on the Settlement of Crisis in Ukraine|work=auswaertiges-amt.de|format=PDF}}</ref> but it soon became redundant as Yanukovych left the capital, ] voted to withdraw the police and the military from Kiev,<ref name="ukrinform.ua">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/317603|title=Rada votes to withdraw troops from Kyiv|work=ukrinform.ua}}</ref> and the protesters took control of the city without resistance.<ref name="BBCTimeline">{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248275 |title=Ukraine protests timeline |publisher=BBC News |date=23 February 2014}}</ref> According to the deal, ] was obliged to adopt a bill about the constitutional reform and Yanukovych was obliged to sign it within 48 hours.<ref name="auswaertiges-amt.de"/> The bill was adopted, but Yanukovych didn't sign it.<ref name="msz.gov.pl">{{cite web|url=http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/news/they_wrote_about_us/sikorski__yanukovych_has_only_himself_to_blame___he_broke_the_agreement__pap_28_february_2014;jsessionid=8E6D054E3614258045EDD6BDCEFDA19F.cmsap2p|title=Sikorski: Yanukovych has only himself to blame – he broke the agreement, PAP |date=28 February 2014|work=msz.gov.pl}}</ref> | |||
| On February 22, Yanukovych fled Kiev.<ref name="WP Yanukovych missing">{{cite news|last=Booth|first=William|title=Ukraine’s Yanukovych missing as protesters take control of presidential residence in Kiev|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ukraines-president-open-to-early-vote-polish-leader-says-scores-reported-killed-in-clashes/2014/02/21/05d3de46-9a82-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html|accessdate=23 March 2014|newspaper=Washington Post|date=22 February 2014}}</ref> Evidence shows that Yanukovych had started to prepare his leave on February 19, removing goods and valuables. The guards of Yanukovych's residence opened it to the protesters, who found vast evidence of Yanukovych's unprecedented corruption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/03/12/what-did-yanukovych-take-with-him-as-he-fled-his-mansion-paintings-guns-and-a-small-dog-according-to-new-video/|title=What did Yanukovych take with him as he fled his mansion? Paintings, guns and a small dog, according to new video|work=washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/world/europe/ukraine.html|title=Archrival Is Freed as Ukraine Leader Flees|work=nytimes.com}}</ref> The Rada impeached Yanukovych,<ref name="forbes.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregsatell/2014/02/22/what-are-the-chances-for-peace-and-stability-in-ukraine/|title="Update: The Ukrainian Parliament declared that President Yanukovych has failed to perform his duties hence he is relieved from the post of president" Forbes What Does The Future Hold For Ukraine|work=forbes.com}}</ref> but not according to the constitutional procedure. The action did not follow the impeachment process as specified by ] (which would have involved formally charging the president with a crime, a review of the charge by ], and a three-fourths majority vote – i.e. at least 338 votes in favor – by the Rada); instead, ] declared that Yanukovych "withdrew from his duties in an unconstitutional manner" and cited "circumstances of extreme urgency" as the reason for early elections.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name=RadioFreeEurope>{{cite web|last=Sindelar |first=Daisy |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/was-yanukovychs-ouster-constitutional/25274346.html |title=Was Yanukovych's Ouster Constitutional? |publisher=] (Rferl.org) |date=February 23, 2014 |accessdate=February 25, 2014 |quote=t is not clear that the hasty February 22 vote upholds constitutional guidelines, which call for a review of the case by Ukraine's Constitutional Court and a three-fourths majority vote by the Verkhovna Rada – i.e., 338 lawmakers.}}</ref><ref name=RadioFreeEurope>{{cite web|last=Sindelar |first=Daisy |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/was-yanukovychs-ouster-constitutional/25274346.html |title=Was Yanukovych's Ouster Constitutional? |publisher=Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty (Rferl.org) |date=February 23, 2014 |accessdate=February 25, 2014}}</ref> The vote was supported by all present<ref name="Feb 2014">Parliament votes 328–0 to impeach Yanukovych on Feb. 22; sets May 25 for new election; Tymoshenko free (VIDEO) Feb. 23, 2014, 2:39 a.m. https://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv/euromaidan-rallies-in-ukraine-feb-21-live-updates-337287.html</ref> in the Ukrainian parliament, 328:0 (of the 447 deputies). The Rada set May 25 for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/22/ukraine-crisis-uncertainty-after-yanukovych-signs-deal-live-updates|title=Ukraine: Tymoshenko freed as president denounces 'coup' – 22 February as it happened|work=theguardian.com}}</ref><ref name="rferl.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/was-yanukovychs-ouster-constitutional/25274346.html|title=http://www.rferl.org/content/was-yanukovychs-ouster-constitutional/25274346.html|work=rferl.org}}</ref> According to the opposition leaders, they had no other choice, because, as they see it, Yanukovych was involved in mass murder and large-scale corruption,<ref name="theguardian.com"/> had usurped power, including the judicial system, and disregarded and violated the Constitution and other laws many times.<ref name="concorde.ua">{{cite web|url=http://concorde.ua/en/research/daily/ukraine-government-files-charges-against-yanukovych-for-usurping-power-12080/|title=Ukraine government files charges against Yanukovych for usurping power - See more at: http://concorde.ua/en/research/daily/ukraine-government-files-charges-against-yanukovych-for-usurping-power-12080/#sthash.9rCb9SDK.dpuf|work=concorde.ua}}</ref> Members of the opposition appointed ] as the new speaker of ] and also as the interim President. A new Council of Ministers, known as the ], was elected by ] on February 27.<ref name="thehindu.com">""</ref> 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. The United States and European Union {{clarify|date=March 2014}} immediately{{when|date=March 2014}} recognized the government in Kiev.<ref name="themoscowtimes.com"/><ref name="Stabilising Ukraine's economy">{{cite web|url=http://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/EN/Artikel/2014/03/2014-02-28-lage-ukraine_en.html?nn=393830|title=Stabilising Ukraine's economy|work=bundesregierung.de, Official website of the ]|date=28 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="leta.lv">{{cite web|url=http://www.leta.lv/eng/home/important/96F935E6-B3C2-4B3D-ADB2-E9B0E1750842/|title=PM Straujuma offers her congratulations to new government in Ukraine|work=leta.lv|publisher=]|date=27 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="lithuaniatribune.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/64288/pm-butkevicius-congratulates-ukraines-new-prime-minister-201464288/|title=PM Butkevičius congratulates Ukraine’s new Prime Minister|work=lithuaniatribune.com|publisher=]|date=27 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Some residents of the Eastern and Southern parts of the country, which are primarily Russian-speaking and previously constituted President Yanukovych's support base, felt disenfranchised by these developments and protested against the government 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 name="Big Mir">{{cite web|language=Ukrainian|url=http://news.bigmir.net/ukraine/788004-V-Ukraine-zahvatyvajut-oblastnye-gosadministracii--OBNOVLJaETSJa- |title=В Украине захватывают областные госадминистрации |trans_title=In Ukraine, the regional state administration grab |publisher=Big Mir|accessdate=21 February 2014|archiveurl= | |||
| http://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://news.bigmir.net/ukraine/788004-V-Ukraine-zahvatyvajut-oblastnye-gosadministracii--OBNOVLJaETSJa- |archivedate=21 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On February 21, 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."{{efn|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= | |||
| http://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>}} 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=http://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 Yanukovich and the opposition to end the crises signed the same day.<ref name="en.interfax.com.ua">{{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= | |||
| http://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/191667.html |archivedate=21 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On February 23, 2014, the second day after the flight of ], while in session of the ] a deputy from "]" party, ] moved to include in the agenda a draft that would repeal the 2012 Law "On the principles of the state language policy". The motion was carried with 232 deputies voting in favor, the draft was included into the agenda, immediately put to a vote with no debate and approved with the same 232 voting in favor, making Ukrainian the sole state language at all levels.<ref name=lenta223>{{cite web|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2014/02/23/language/ |title=На Украине отменили закон о региональном статусе русского языка |publisher=Lenta.ru |date= |accessdate=2014-02-23}}</ref><ref name=BBCRLLout>, ] (23 February 2014)</ref> | |||
| Repeal of the 2012 Law "On the principles of the state language policy" was met with great disdain in ], populated by a Russian-speaking majority<ref name="Traynor">{{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> and ] and ] provoking waves of anti-government protests,<ref></ref> ultimately culminating with the Crimean crisis. '']'' reported: "The only served to infuriate Russian-speaking regions, saw the move as more evidence that the antigovernment protests in Kiev that toppled Yanukovich's government were intent on pressing for a ]."<ref name="Ayres">{{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=28 February 2014 |work=] |first=Sabra |last=Ayres}}</ref> | |||
| A few days later, on March 1, 2014, the acting President of Ukraine, ], ]ed the bill effectively stopping its ].<ref name="lenta.ru">{{cite news|language=Russian |title=На отмену закона о региональных языках на Украине наложат вето |trans_title=The abolition of the law on regional languages in Ukraine veto |url=http://lenta.ru/news/2014/03/01/language/|newspaper=] |place=RU |date=1 March 2014}}</ref> The veto did little to address the unfolding crisis, perhaps because it came too late. | |||
| The ] and the ] have both denied any human rights violations against Russian speakers in Ukraine that would justify Russia's actions.<ref name="helsinki.org.ua">{{cite web|url=http://www.helsinki.org.ua/en/index.php?id=1393934582|title=The OSCE Should Act Decisively and Swiftly to Stop Intervention into Ukraine and Prevent a Major Security Crisis in Europe|work=helsinki.org.ua}}</ref><ref name="khpg.org">{{cite web|url=http://khpg.org/en/index.php?id=1393586383|title=Mr Putin: We ethnic Russians and Russian speakers don’t need protection|work=khpg.org}}</ref> | |||
| ===Legal aspects=== | |||
| The Russian-Ukrainian ]{{efn|Dilanian (2014) "CIA director John Brennan told a senior lawmaker Monday that a 1997 treaty between Russia and Ukraine allows up to 25,000 Russia troops in the vital Crimea region, so Russia may not consider its recent troop movements to be an invasion, U.S. officials said."<ref name="Dilanian">{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-us-intelligence-russia-ukraine-20140303,0,4657644.story |title=CIA reportedly says Russia sees treaty as justifying Ukraine moves |newspaper=] |date={{date|2014-03-03}} |accessdate={{date|2014-03-12}} |first=Ken |last=Dilanian }}</ref>}} signed in 1997 and prolonged in 2010, determined the status of the military bases and vessels in Crimea prior to the current crisis. Russia was allowed to maintain up to 25,000 troops, 24 artillery systems (with a caliber smaller than 100 mm), 132 armored vehicles, and 22 military planes, on the Crimean Peninsula and Sevastopol. The Russian Black Sea fleet had basing rights in Crimea until 2042. However it is controversial if the recent troop movements were covered by the treaty.<ref name="Yeroshko">{{cite news|last=Yeroshko|first=Iryna|title=Ukraine: Russia shows 'complete disregard' for Black Sea Fleet agreement in Crimea|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/what-parts-of-the-black-sea-fleet-agreement-is-russia-violating-338358.html|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=March 4, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Both Russia and Ukraine are signatories to the ]. The ratification of said charter has several ramifications in terms of ], particularly those that cover the subjects of ], ], ], ], and ]. ] has claimed that Russian troops in the Crimean peninsula were aimed "to ensure proper conditions for the people of Crimea to be able to freely express their will",<ref>{{cite web |url= http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/7034 |title= Direct Line with Vladimir Putin |date= 2014-04-17 |website= |publisher= kremlin.ru|accessdate= 2014-04-17 }}</ref> whlist Ukraine and other nations argue that such intervention is a violation of ].<ref name="blogs.telegraph.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/charlescrawford/100262865/vladimir-putins-illegal-occupation-of-crimea-is-an-attempt-to-put-europes-borders-up-for-grabs/|title=telegraph.co.uk: "Vladimir Putin's illegal occupation of Crimea is an attempt to put Europe's borders up for grabs" (Crawford) 10 Mar 2014|work=blogs.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> | |||
| Russian President also noted that the United Nations International Court of Justice handed down an advisory opinion in 2010 saying unambiguously that the unilateral declaration of independence in Kosovo (for which there was no referendum nor agreement from Belgrade) was in accordance with international law.<ref>"{{cite web|url=http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889| url=http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889|title= Address by President of the Russian Federation| quote = Moreover, the Crimean authorities referred to the well-known Kosovo precedent – a precedent our western colleagues created with their own hands in a very similar situation, when they agreed that the unilateral separation of Kosovo from Serbia, exactly what Crimea is doing now, was legitimate and did not require any permission from the country’s central authorities. Pursuant to Article 2, Chapter 1 of the United Nations Charter, the UN International Court agreed with this approach and made the following comment in its ruling of July 22, 2010, and I quote: “No general prohibition may be inferred from the practice of the Security Council with regard to declarations of independence,” and “General international law contains no prohibition on declarations of independence.” Crystal clear, as they say. |date= 2014-03-18|website=]|accessdate=2014-03-18}}</ref> On the other hand, ] and ] point out that by ] Russia violated terms of the ], by which Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the ] or political independence of Ukraine<ref>. ]</ref> | |||
| ==Timeline== | |||
| {{main|Timeline of the 2014 Crimean crisis}} | |||
| {{multiple issues|section=yes| | |||
| {{summarize|section=yes|from|Timeline of the 2014 Crimean crisis|date=March 2014}} | |||
| {{prose|section|date=March 2014}} | |||
| }} | |||
| *February 26, pro-Russian forces gradually ]. Russia claimed that the uniformed men were ], but they are generally reported in non-Russian media to be Russian military personnel without insignia.<ref name="Al Jazeera English">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/03/warning-shots-end-osce-crimea-entry-bid-20143815135639790.html |title=Warning shots end OSCE Crimea entry bid – Europe |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date= |accessdate=2014-03-11}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26414600|title=Ukraine crisis: Russia vows troops will stay|date=3 March 2014|accessdate=3 March 2014|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref name="Jones">{{cite web|last=Jones |first=Sam |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a701f3e8-a527-11e3-8988-00144feab7de.html#axzz2vFnXrLQx |title=US scorns Russia's version of Crimean intervention |work=Financial Times |date=21 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Reuters">{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/12/us-ukraine-crisis-osce-idUSBREA2B1C120140312 |title=OSCE team say Crimea roadblock gunmen threatened to shoot at them |publisher=Reuters |date= |accessdate=2014-03-14}}</ref><ref name = "NYT">{{cite news| url = http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/28/world/europe/crimea-ukraine.html |title=Gunmen Seize Government Buildings in Crimea|work=The New York Times|date= 27 February 2014|accessdate= 1 March 2014 |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 name="reuters.com">{{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 | agency =Reuters|date=1 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite news| agency = Reuters | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/01/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140301 | date = 1 March 2014 | title= Putin ready to invade Ukraine; Kiev warns of war| postscript = {{inconsistent citations}} }}</ref><ref name="upi.com">{{Cite news | url = http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/28/Telecom-services-sabotaged-in-Ukraines-Crimea-region/7611393621345/ | title = Telecom services sabotaged in Ukraine's Crimea region | agency = United Press International | accessdate = 28 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| * February 27, unidentified forces seized the ] of the ] (the regional parliament) and the building of the Council of Ministers in ].<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/28/world/europe/crimea-ukraine.html?_r=0</ref> ] units, local militiamen and self-defence troops seized checkpoints on the ] and ].<ref name="armyansk">{{cite web|url=http://armyansk.info/news/news-archive/120-2014/4592-pod-armyansk-styanulis-siloviki-iz-berkuta |title= Под Армянск стянулись силовики из "Беркута" |date=2014-02-27|website= armyansk.info|publisher= |language=ru |accessdate=2014-03-15}}</ref><ref></ref><ref name="wsj">{{cite web |url= http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304071004579410931310849454 |title= Crimea Checkpoints Raise Secession Fears |date= 2014-02-28 |website= |publisher= ] |accessdate= 2014-04-18 |quote= Crimean special forces and local militiamen with Kalashnikovs and masks have hoisted Russian flags and set up checkpoints on the only two highways that connect the Black Sea peninsula to mainland Ukraine.}}</ref> Since then they control all traffic by land between Crimea and continental Ukraine.<ref name="armyansk"/><ref name="wsj"/> | |||
| *February 28, The Supreme Council held an emergency session where it terminated the Council of Ministers and replaced the Chairman and Prime Minister of Crimea, ], with ]<ref name = "NYT" /><ref name = "CNN1"/> This version of events is disputed by Russia.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} | |||
| *March 11, the Supreme Council and the ] jointly ] to ] from Ukraine as a ] with the possibility of joining the ] as a federal subject. The question of independence was put to a ] | |||
| *March 16. Official returns indicated nearly 96% in favor,<ref name="Crimea Applies to Join Russia"></ref> with a turnout of over 83%,<ref name="bbc.com">, ], March 16, 2014</ref> despite a boycott by ] and other opponents of the referendum.<ref name="cbcref"> '']'' Retrieved on March 16, 2014</ref> The Ukrainian parliament declared the referendum unconstitutional.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite news|title=Ukraine crisis: Russia isolated in UN Crimea vote|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26595776|accessdate=15 March 2014|newspaper=BBC|date=15 March 2014}}</ref> The ] and the ] condemned the vote as illegal,<ref name="m.strategic-culture.org">http://m.strategic-culture.org/news/2014/03/14/referendum-in-crimea-and-international-law.html</ref><ref name="voanews.com">, ], March 16, 2014</ref> and later imposed sanctions against persons deemed to have violated Ukraine's sovereignty.<ref name="EO13660">{{cite press release | url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/06/executive-order-blocking-property-certain-persons-contributing-situation | title=Executive Order 13660 – Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine | publisher=White House Office of the Press Secretary | date=6 March 2014 | accessdate=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="EUsanctions">{{cite news | url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/eu-leaders-weighing-sanctions-russia-22795279 | title=EU Slaps Initial Sanctions on Russia | agency=Associated Press | date=6 March 2014 | agency=ABC News | accessdate=7 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="mainichi.jp">{{cite news |url=http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20140304p2g00m0in014000c.html|title=Sanctions threat grows as Ukraine tensions rise|place=Japan |work=Mainichi Shimbun|date=4 March 2014}}</ref> Although ] stated that the referendum was held in accordance to the democratic standards, the Ukrainian officials, as well as ], ] and ] claimed that the voter turnout in the referendum among Crimeans could only be a maximum of 30–40 percent and that the referendum was undemocratic, hastily prepared, falsified and didn't reflect the real will of the Crimeans.<ref>. ]. 17 March 2014</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.golos-ameriki.ru/content/crimea-tatars-on-latest-evens-in-ukraine/1883359.html |title=Мустафа Джамилев выступил в Совете Безопасности ООН |first1=Виктория |last1=Купчинецкая |date={{date|2014-03-31}} |accessdate={{date|2014-04-01}} |newspaper=] }}</ref> Pro-Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar activists were reported to have been persecuted and kidnapped,<ref>""</ref><ref>""</ref> and only pro-Russian billboards were seen in the streets before the referendum.<ref>""</ref> | |||
| *17 March, the ] declared independence from ] and asked to join the ].<ref name=autogenerated9>, ], March 17, 2014</ref> President Putin claimed Crimea as a ] on moral and material grounds, citing the principle of ] and Crimea's strategic importance for Russia.<ref name="huffingtonpost.com">, ], March 20, 2014</ref> | |||
| *On March 24, the Ukraine Ministry of Defense announces that approximately 50% of Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea have defected to the Russian military.<ref>http://un.ua/eng/article/500186.html</ref><ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26713727</ref> | |||
| *March 27, the U.N. General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution 100 in favor, 11 against and 58 abstentions in the 193-nation assembly that declared invalid Moscow-backed Crimea's referendum.<ref name="CHARBONNEAU AND DONATH">{{cite news|last=CHARBONNEAU AND DONATH|first=MIRJAM AND LOUIS|title=U.N. General Assembly declares Crimea secession vote invalid|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/27/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA2Q1GA20140327|newspaper=Reuters|date=Mar 27, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Felton and Gumuchian">{{cite news|last=Felton and Gumuchian,|first=Marie-Louise and Alex|title=U.N. General Assembly resolution calls Crimean referendum invalid|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/27/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/|newspaper=CNN|date=March 27, 2014}}</ref><ref name="un.org">{{cite news|title=Backing Ukraine’s territorial integrity, UN Assembly declares Crimea referendum invalid|url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47443&Cr=ukraine&Cr1=|newspaper=UN News Center|date=27 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="foxnews.com">{{cite news|title=UN General Assembly approves referendum calling Russia annexation of Crimea illegal|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/03/27/un-general-assembly-votes-yes-on-ukraine-unity/|newspaper=Associated Press|date=March 27, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine: UN condemns Crimea vote as IMF and US back loans|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26776416|newspaper=27 March 2014|date=BBC}}</ref> | |||
| *On 15 April 2014, Ukrainian parliament passed a bill declaring the southern Crimea peninsula as territory temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation and imposed travel restrictions on Ukrainians visiting Crimea.<ref name="apr15">{{cite web|title=Ukraine Parliament declares Crimea temporarily occupied territory|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/04/ukraine-parliament-declares-crimea-temporarily-occupied-territory/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|accessdate=15 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==Non-Russian involvement== | |||
| On March 2, 2014, ], former member of the nationalist ] party and current political secretary of "Orthodox Dawn" ({{lang-bg|Православна Зора}}, ''Pravoslavna Zora'') 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 Moscow and ].<ref name="cross.bg">{{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=2 March 2014 | language=Bulgarian|accessdate=5 March 2014}}</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=2 March 2014 | language=Bulgarian|accessdate=5 March 2014}}</ref> Simeon Kostadinov, another former Attack member, currently 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 based on the ]" which includes some Bulgarians and is supported by a Russian paramilitary organization was reported to have left for Ukraine on March 3. "Orthodox Dawn" have displayed an interest in securing the backing of international actors for the ] and will try to recruit foreign election observers.<ref name="btvnews.bg">{{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=4 March 2014 |language=Bulgarian|accessdate=5 March 2014}}</ref> According to Bulgarian sources, drawing on reports made by ], 20 Bulgarian nationals are presently in ]. They are part of the paramilitary formation Dobrovolets/Доброволец, which is under the control of Russian troops. Dobrovolets' area of operations also intends to include ] and ]. Chernev stated that he will be visiting Crimea on March 15 and guarantees that all the participants in the mission have undergone thorough screening to ensure that people with criminal convictions are weeded out.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blitz.bg/news/article/254831#toggleComment|title=20 българи вече са в Крим, готови да хванат оръжие, "Доброволец" вече започна организирането на отряди в Донецк и Одеса|publisher=blitz.bg|date=9 March 2014 |language=Bulgarian|accessdate=10 March 2014}}</ref> Anton Kisse, the only deputy in the ] with Bulgarian roots has spoken out against any foreign interventions stating that "even the friendliest foreign state has no right to impose its vision of what constitutes proper order on Ukraine" and that "people will turn to Bulgaria if the need arises".<ref name="standartnews.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.standartnews.com/mneniya-intervyuta/balgarite_v_ukrayna_ne_sme_po_barikadite-228436.html|title=Българите в Украйна не сме по барикадите|publisher=standartnews.com|date=5 March 2014 |language=Bulgarian|accessdate=7 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Chernev was one of the election observers for the ],<ref name="focus-news.net">{{cite news|url=http://www.focus-news.net/news/2014/03/17/1896081/pavel-chernev-sanktsiite-ne-sa-tolkova-znachimi-na-fona-na-predstoyashtoto-prisaedinyavane-na-krim-kam-ruskata-federatsiya.html|title=Павел Чернев: Санкциите не са толкова значими, на фона на предстоящото присъединяване на Крим към Руската федерация|publisher=focus-news.net|date=17 March 2014 |language=Bulgarian|accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> on the invitation of ].<ref name="blitz.bg">{{cite news|url=http://www.blitz.bg/news/article/255528|title=Сръбски воеводи водят наши опълченци в Крим,"Православна зора" на Чернев ще наблюдава референдума на 16 март|publisher=blitz.bg|date=13 March 2014 |language=Bulgarian|accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| A very small group of ], a ] paramilitary force, have travelled to Crimea to support Russia. Serbian and Russian nationalists share Slavic and Orthodox culture and ], and Chetniks claim to be in Russia's favour for support during the ].<ref name=Chetniks>{{cite web | url = http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/serbian-fighters-head-to-crimea |title=Serbian Fighters Help 'Russian Brothers' in Crimea |publisher=Balkan insight |date = 2014-02-06 |accessdate= 2014-02-06}}</ref> The Chetniks are based in an Orthodox monastery. Their commanders Bratislav Jivković and Milutin Malisić have participated in previous armed conflicts – Jivković in the ] as part of the ] while Malisić has been involved in the protection of the Serbian minority in ] in the aftermath of the ]. Malisić has reiterated that his paramilitary formation is committed to peace and does not want to shed the blood of fellow Slavs, viewing Ukrainians and Russians as brotherly ethnicities.<ref name="blitz.bg"/> | |||
| ==Aftermath== | |||
| As a result of the crisis, the two leading indexes of the ] fell in trading on March 3: 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/ |publisher=] |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Nq7BJ5FC |archivedate=5 March 2014 |accessdate=5 March 2014}}</ref> The next day, though, the MICEX rose 5.25%, recovering part of the losses. In response to this and the decline of the ], the ] raised its interest rate from 5.5 to 7.0% and spent up to US$12 billion in reserves to bolster the currency.<ref name="in.reuters.com">{{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=3 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| There were worries that Russian gas exports into Europe and Ukraine may become disrupted by the conflict. Thirty percent of Europe's gas is imported from Russia, half of which flows through Ukrainian pipelines. On March 1, ] decided to halt the subsidies of Russian gas for Ukraine.<ref name="bloomberg">{{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=3 March 2014}}</ref> The crisis could also affect worldwide grain supplies. Prices will likely rise because Ukraine is one of the world's largest exporters of corn.<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=3 March 2014}}</ref> The crisis resulted into the exit of several multinational companies from Crimea due to suspension of necessary financial and banking services.<ref>{{cite web|title=Burger King to open outlets in Crimea after rival McDonald’s exit|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/04/burger-king-to-open-outlets-in-crimea-after-rival-mcdonalds-exit/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|accessdate=10 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==Simferopol Incident== | |||
| {{further|Simferopol Incident}} | |||
| An ethnic Crimean Tartar was beaten and abducted by Russian defense members while on his way to a Ukrainian recruitment facility after the call for enlistment was finalized. He was later found dead in the same area he went missing.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} | |||
| Over the course of the Crimean crisis, a Ukrainian soldier and a Crimean defense member have been killed, another two Ukrainians have sustained serious bullet injuries and two other Russian militiamen have been wounded. During ] on March 18, some Ukrainian sources said that armed gunmen that have been reported to be Russian special forces allegedly stormed the base. This was contested by Russian authorities, who subsequently arrested an alleged Ukrainian sniper in connection with the killings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_03_19/Sniper-that-killed-two-seized-in-Crimea-6475/ |title=Sniper that killed two seized in Crimea – News – World – The Voice of Russia: News, Breaking news, Politics, Economics, Business, Russia, International current events, Expert opinion, podcasts, Video |publisher=The Voice of Russia |date=2013-07-27 |accessdate=2014-04-02}}</ref> | |||
| At this stage, none of the accounts of this event could be verified independently.<ref>"None of the accounts can be independently confirmed.",, ], March 19, 2014</ref> The Ukrainian and the Crimean authorities provided conflicting reports of the event.<ref name="autogenerated2">"None of the accounts can be independently confirmed." , ], March 19, 2014</ref> Furthermore, witnesses of the event said that there was no immediate evidence that any Russian soldiers were involved in the incident.<ref name="yahoo1">"There was no immediate evidence that Russian soldiers were involved in Tuesday's incident, witnesses said.",], March 18, 2014</ref> | |||
| The two casulties had a joint funeral attended by both the Crimean and Ukrainian authorities, and both soldiers were mourned together.<ref>"Joint Funeral" , ], March 22, 2014</ref> The incident is now under investigation by both the Crimean authorities and the Ukrainian military. | |||
| <ref>"Joint Funeral2" , ], March 22, 2014</ref><ref>"Joint Funeral3" , ], March 22, 2014</ref> | |||
| Another confrontation between Ukrainian and Russian troops led to the death of a Ukrainian army major who was killed allegedly over a tense argument.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} | |||
| ==Reactions in Ukraine and Russia== | |||
| {{Crimean Crisis of 2014}} | |||
| ===Ukraine=== | |||
| Three ex‐presidents of Ukraine accused Russia of interfering in Crimean affairs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/192876.html |title=Three ex-Ukrainian presidents blame Russia for meddling in Crimean affairs |agency=Interfax |place=Ukraine |date=26 February 2014}}</ref> Interim president ] at the start of the protests warned that there is a "serious risk" of separatism in parts of the country.<ref name="EN25214">{{cite news|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' |publisher=] |date=25 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="guardian226" /> On February 27, 2014, the ] claimed that regional referendum is impossible due to lack of necessary legislative basis for such.<ref>{{cite news |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 February 27, 2014, the ] ] was instructed to develop a new law "about language".<ref>{{cite news |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> On February 28, a freelance journalist wrote on Twitter that President Yanukovych said that any military actions are unacceptable and he will not ask Russia for it.<ref></ref> According to President Yanukovych he believed that Crimea must remain part of Ukraine.<ref></ref><ref></ref> | |||
| The new ] ] stated in his maiden speech on February 27 that "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 name="euronews.com">{{cite news |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 February 28, the ] adopted a resolution on events in Crimea:<ref name="verkhovna_rada">{{cite news |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>{{cite news|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 |agency=] |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> | |||
| On March 1, the acting president of Ukraine signed an edict in which he pointed out that appointment of Sergey Aksyonov as the Chairman of the Councils of Ministers of Crimea was in violation of 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 name="interfax.ru">. ]</ref> The acting President of Ukraine purportedly ordered the ] to full combat readiness.<ref>. ]. 1 March 2014</ref> | |||
| On March 4, the district administration court of Kiev cancelled the decision of the council concerning a 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 a local referendum on improving the status and powers of autonomy.<ref name="court_cancelled">. '']''. 4 March 2014</ref> | |||
| On March 17, Ukraine recalled its ambassador ] from the ] officially to discuss the situation about Crimea.<ref name="lb.ua">. LB. March 17, 2014</ref><ref>. ]. March 17, 2014</ref> | |||
| On March 19, Ukraine drew up plans to withdraw all their soldiers and their families to mainland Ukraine from Crimea "Quickly and Efficiently".<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26656617|title=Ukraine 'preparing withdrawal of troops from Crimea'|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=19 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On March 25, Ukrainian defense minister, ], resigned due to the public criticism of being indecisive and slow to give orders to Ukrainian military units in Crimea. His resignation was approved only after a repeated vote in the ].<ref>. ]. March 26, 2014</ref> He resigned and was replaced by ] ], who had served with the border guards in Crimea and was briefly kidnapped there in March<!--DOES THIS AGREE WITH THE KIDNAPPING VICTIMS SECTION BELOW?-->. Ukrainian Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council ] stated in an interview that "Mistakes have been and will be made, but the new government is not afraid to fix them."<ref name="Kathy Lally">{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ukraine-fires-defense-minister-who-lost-crimea-to-russia/2014/03/25/81409484-31c6-41db-9e24-7b6193240aef_story.html |title=Ukraine fires defense minister who lost Crimea to Russia |author= Kathy Lally |publisher=] |date=26 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The Ukrainian National Council for TV and Radio Broadcasting instructed all cable operators on 11 March to stop transmitting a number of Russian channels, including the international versions of the main state-controlled stations Rossiya 1, Channel One and NTV, as well as news channel Rossiya 24.<ref>http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26546083</ref> | |||
| The Kiev regime has barred Crimean men aged 16–60 and women aged 20–35 from entering the Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine bans entry for all Russian males aged 16-60: Aeroflot |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/ukraine-bans-entry-for/1075426.html |date=18 Apr 2014 |agency=Channel NewsAsia}}</ref> | |||
| ====Viktor Yanukovych==== | |||
| Late at night on February 27, the ex-President of Ukraine, ], who is wanted along with ] under suspicion of mass killing of people,<ref>{{cite news |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">{{cite news |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=28 February 2014}}</ref> On February 28, 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">{{cite news |url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193467.html |title=Crimea must remain part of Ukraine, enjoy broad autonomy rights – Yanukovych |agency=] |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 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><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26386946 |title=Ukrainian ex-leader Viktor Yanukovych vows fightback |publisher=BBC News |date=28 February 2014}}</ref> Still on March 4, 2014, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, ] showed a photocopy of the letter allegedly signed by Victor Yanukovich on March 1, 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=Russia |newspaper=]|date=4 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On March 11, ] vowed to return to Ukraine, calling upon the Ukrainian Armed Forces to not follow the "criminal orders" of the acting government in Kiev.<ref name=autogenerated5></ref> Yanukovych attacked the acting government in Ukraine as being a "band of ultranationalists and neo-fascists" that have replaced his government, and criticized their supposed Western backers.<ref name=autogenerated5 /> | |||
| ===Republic of Crimea=== | |||
| ] as their native language in the latest local census. Sevastopol identifies itself as the highest at 90.6% followed immediately by Crimea at 77.0%.]] | |||
| Operations of the ] were suspended on February 27, 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 name="Interfax 2014">. 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 to ] (]) 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 name="Sneider">{{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 |work=Slate}}</ref> | |||
| About one thousand residents of Crimea, mainly Crimean Tatars, have left Crimea for Ukraine.<ref name="Ukrinform">{{cite news |date=12 March 2014 |title=MFA: Number of refugees from Crimea growing |url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/mfa_number_of_refugees_from_crimea_growing_318502 |location=Kyiv |publisher=Ukrinform |accessdate=16 March 2014}}</ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> | |||
| Party of Regions MP Yuriy Miroshnychenko urged the Crimean government to stop the referendum.<ref name="16:15">{{cite web|author=16:15 |url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/party_of_regions_must_stop_crimean_referendum___miroshnychenko_318414 |title=Party of Regions must stop Crimean referendum – Miroshnychenko| Ukrinform |publisher=Ukrinform.ua |date= |accessdate=2014-03-11}}</ref> Another Party of Regions MP, Hanna Herman, commented the same day about Yanukovych's press conference, "He needs to ... prevent the illegal referendum."<ref>{{cite news |date=11 March 2014 |title=Yanukovych's speech in Rostov looked pathetic – Herman |url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/yanukovychs_speech_in_rostov_looked_pathetic___herman_318404 |location=Kyiv |publisher=Ukrinform |accessdate=12 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Russia=== | |||
| {{see also|Protests of Russian intelligentsia against the annexation of Crimea}} | |||
| ] to Ukrainian 55th Anti-Aircraft Artillery regiment in ] to lay down arms under control of ] for the period of ]]] | |||
| The ] Committee on ] Affairs, headed by ], visited Simferopol on February 25, 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 name="Rothkopf">{{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 |work=Foreign policy |date=25 February 2014}}</ref> They also stated that in the event of a ] for Crimea region joining Russian Federation they would consider its results "very fast".<ref name="Infowars.com">{{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=24 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="gordonua.com">{{cite news|title=Российские паспорта и присоединение к РФ: Депутаты Госдумы прибыли в Крым (Rossiyskiye pasporta i prisoyedineniye k RF: Deputaty Gosdumy pribyli v Krym) |trans_title=Russian passports and joining Russia: State Duma deputies arrived in Crimea |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 name="aif.ru">{{cite news|title=В Госдуме опровергли данные о выдаче паспортов РФ жителям Крыма (V Gosdume oprovergli dannyye o vydache pasportov RF zhitelyam Kryma) |trans_title=The State Duma has denied information about issuing passports to residents of Crimea RF |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|language=Ukrainian |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/25/7016276 |title=Росія обіцяє втрутитися, якщо ''росіянам в Україні буде загроза'' (Rosiya obitsyaye vtrutytysya, yakshcho ''rosiyanam v Ukrayini bude zahroza'') |trans_title=Russia promises to intervene if the Russians in Ukraine ''threatened'' |work=Українська правда (Ukrayins'ka pravda) |place=UA |date=25 February 2014}}</ref> On February 25, in a meeting with Crimean politicians he stated that Viktor Yanukovich 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 (U Rosiyi Yanukovycha vse shche vvazhayut' prezydentom – Sluts'kyy) |trans_title=In Russia Yanukovych's still the president – Slutsky |work=Українська правда (Ukrayins'ka pravda) |place=UA |date=25 February 2014}}</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 name="Интерфакс Interfax">{{cite web|url=http://www.interfax.ru/world/news/361055 |title=Госдума России обсуждает меры по защите крымчан (Gosduma Rossii obsuzhdayet mery po zashchite krymchan) |trans_title=Russian State Duma discusses measures to protect the Crimean |publisher=Интерфакс (Interfax) |place=RU}}</ref> | |||
| On February 26, 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 ] ] said it was in separate consideration from the unrest in Ukraine.<ref name="Alpert">{{cite web|last=Alpert |first=Lukas I. |url=http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304709904579406310892324006 |title=Russia Orders Military Exercises Amid Ukraine Tension |work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> | |||
| On February 27, 2014, the Russian government dismissed 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 name="mid.ru">{{cite press release|url=http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/newsline/B975BAFF6BC9B43F44257C8C004A3AFD |type=comment |publisher=The Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia |title=The media question about the movements of the Black Sea Fleet armored vehicles |date=27 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="RIA News">{{cite news |url=http://ria.ru/world/20140227/997402725.html |title=Russian Defense Ministry: The Black Sea Fleet is not a threat to the situation in Ukraine |publisher=RIA News |date=27 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/27/7016538/ |title=Russian Foreign Ministry commented on the movement of armored vehicles in Crimea |newspaper=] |date=27 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On February 27, the Russian governing agencies presented the new law project on granting citizenship.<ref name="ria.ru">{{cite news|url=http://ria.ru/trend/_citizenship_Russia_12022014/ |title=Draft law of FMS and the Ministry of Economy of granting citizenship |publisher=RIA News |date=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">{{cite news |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/27/7016548/ |title=MID of Russia made another statement on Ukraine: militants, NATO, provocations |newspaper=] |date=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 Germany, ] and France has to this date, not been implemented<ref name="mid_accusations" /> (] from Russia had not signed it<ref name="CTV News">{{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=http://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 ] on February 28 the ] discontinued its further talks with Ukraine in regards to the ] project.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/rosiya_pripinila_peregovori_z_ukraiinoyu_za_proektom_kerchenskogo_mostu_1912965 |title=Russia has suspended negotiations with Ukraine on the project of Kerch bridge |agency=] |date=28 February 2014}}</ref> However, on 3 March ], the ], signed a ] creating a subsidiary of Russian Highways (]) to build a bridge at an unspecified location along the Kerch strait.<ref name="TV Rain">{{cite news |place=Russia |language=Russian |newspaper=]|publisher=TV Rain |url=http://tvrain.ru/articles/medvedev_rasporjadilsja_sozdat_kompaniju_dlja_stroitelstva_mosta_cherez_kerchenskij_proliv-364255/ |title=Медведев распорядился создать компанию для строительства моста через керченский пролив |date=3 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |work=The Moscow Times |date=4 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>{{cite news |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/28/7016603/ |title=In Russia there are gathering "tourists" to Ukraine who served in the military |newspaper=] |date=28 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On February 28 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" /> Already on 19 February the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the Euromaidan revolution as the "]".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://lenta.ru/news/2014/02/19/brown/ |title=Russian Foreign Ministry called the Ukrainian revolution "brown" |newspaper=Lenta |place=RU |date=19 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2014/02/19/7014748/ |title=Russian Foreign Ministry: In Ukraine the "brown" revolution, we will apply all the influence |newspaper=] |place=UA |date=19 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| 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 name="Federation 2014">. ]. 1 March 2014.</ref> | |||
| In Moscow, 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)|work=The Christian Science Monitor |date=2 March 2014}}</ref> Up to 15,000 participated in a similar rally in ], while around 12,000 rallied in ].<ref name=csmmoscow /><ref name="Voice of Russia">{{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=2 March 2014}}</ref> The rallies received considerable attention on Russian state TV and were officially sanctioned by the government.<ref name=csmmoscow /> | |||
| ] (seated, middle) speaks to the press on March 4, 2014, 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 |work=The Washington Post|date=4 March 2014}}</ref>]] | |||
| Meanwhile, on March 1, five people who were picketing next to the Federation Council building against the invasion of Ukraine were arrested.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/891669-u-rosiji-zatrimali-aktivistiv-yaki-protestuvali-proti-viyni-z-ukrajinoyu.html |title=In Russia were detained activists who protested against the war with Ukraine |agency=] |date=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 name="Utro">{{cite web |url=http://www.utro.ru/articles/2014/03/02/1179378.shtml|title=На антивоенных акциях в Москве задержаны 300 человек (Na antivoyennykh aktsiyakh v Moskve zaderzhany 300 chelovek) |trans_title=At the anti-war actions in Moscow detained 300 people |publisher=Utro |place=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 name="investigator.org.ua">{{cite web |url=http://investigator.org.ua/news/120579/ |title=В Москве и Перебурге проходят митинги против российской оккупации Крыма. Уже есть задержанные (V Moskve i Peterburge prokhodyat mitingi protiv rossiyskoy okkupatsii Kryma. Uzhe yest' zaderzhannyye) |trans_title=In Moscow and St. Petersburg rallies against the Russian occupation of the Crimea. Already have detained |language=Russian |publisher=Центр журналистских расследований (Tsentr zhurnalistskikh rassledovaniy) |accessdate=2 March 2014 }}</ref> On March 2, about eleven protesters demonstrated in ] against Russian involvement, with some wrapped in the Ukrainian flag.<ref name="kp.ru">{{cite web |url=http://www.kp.ru/online/news/1674924/|title=Жители Екатеринбурга провели пикеты против ввода российских войск в Крым (Zhiteli Yekaterinburga proveli pikety protiv vvoda rossiyskikh voysk v Krym) |trans_title=Inhabitants of Ekaterinburg picketed against Russian troops in the Crimea |work=] |place=RU |language=Russian |accessdate=2 March 2014}}</ref> Protests were also held in ] on the same day.<ref name="ura.ru">{{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 ("Skol'ko detey ty gotov pokhoronit', chtoby Krym stal chast'yu Rossii?" Pervyye antivoyennyye pikety proshli na Urale) |trans_title="How many children are you willing to bury to Crimea became part of Russia?" First anti-war pickets were held in the Urals |publisher=Ura |place=RU |language=Russian |accessdate=2 March 2014}}</ref> The opposition to the military intervention was also expressed by rock musician ], 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 name="novayagazeta.ru">{{cite web |url=http://www.novayagazeta.ru/society/62540.html |title=Не стреляй! Шевчук, Гребенщиков, Макаревич. Антивоенная риторика (Ne strelyay! Shevchuk, Grebenshchikov, Makarevich. Antivoyennaya ritorika) |trans_title=Do not shoot! Shevchuk, Grebenshikov Makarevich. antiwar rhetoric |work=] |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 name="Bershidsky">{{Cite news |last = Bershidsky |first = Leonid |date = 25 March 2014 |title = Comparing Putin to Hitler Will Get You Fired |url = http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2014-03-25/comparing-putin-to-hitler-will-get-you-fired |work = ] |accessdate = 25 March 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| President Putin's approval rating among the Russian public has increased by nearly 10% since the crisis began, up to 71.6%, the highest in three years, according to a poll conducted by the ], released on March 19.<ref name="approval">{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/03/18/crimea-ukraine-putin-russia/6564263/|title=Putin's move on Crimea bolsters popularity back home|publisher=USA Today|date=2014-03-19|accessdate=2014-03-20}}</ref> Additionally, the same poll showed that more than 90% of Russians supported unification with the Crimean Republic.<ref name=approval/> | |||
| On March 4, at press conference in ] President Putin 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">{{cite news |url=http://dt.ua/POLITICS/putin-podilyaye-dumku-scho-yakscho-v-ukrayini-revolyuciya-to-na-yiyi-teritoriyi-vzhe-nova-derzhava-138899_.html |title=Putin shares the view that if in Ukraine "revolution" – then on its territory is a new state |newspaper=] |date=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 |newspaper=Nine MSN |place=AU |date=2 March 2014}}</ref> The ] refuted those claims of refugees increase in Russia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/mzs_ukraiini_sprostuvalo_zrostannya_kilkosti_bigentsiv_do_rosiii_1914722 |title=мзс україні спростувало зростання кількості бігентсив до росії (MZS Ukrayini sprostuvalo zrostannya kil'kosti bihent·syv do rosiyi) |trans_title=Ukraine Foreign Ministry refuted the growing number of refugees in Russia |agency=] |date=4 March 2014}}</ref> At a briefing on March 4, 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 its own actions in the Crimea.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/mzs_putin_prodovgue__dezinformuvati_uves_svit_zaradi_vipravdannya_svoiih_diy_1914726 |place=UA |title=мзс путін продовґуе дезінформувати весь світ заради виправдання своїх дії (MZS Putin prodovgue dezinformuvaty ves' svit zarady vypravdannya svoyikh diyi) |trans_title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Putin continues to mislead the whole world for justification of own actions |agency=] |date=4 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On March 5, an anchor of the Russian-owned international news channel ], ], in an interview with ], said she "did not agree" with how her employer RT was covering the Ukrainian crisis, but claims RT still supports her despite her differences of opinion.<ref name="Piers">{{cite video|title=Abby Martin: Russia Today supports me|url=http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2014/03/05/pmt-intv-martin-russia-critique.cnn.html|publisher=CNN|date=5 March 2014}}</ref> Also on March 5, 2014, another RT America anchor, ], of the network's Washington, DC bureau, resigned on air, explaining that she could not be "part of a network that whitewashes the actions of Putin" and citing her Hungarian ancestry and the memory of the Soviet repression of the ] as a factor in her decision.<ref name="Kirchick">{{cite web|last = Kirchick|first = James|title = Exclusive: RT Anchor Liz Wahl Explains Why She Quit|work = The Daily Beast|accessdate = 6 March 2014|date = 5 March 2014|url = http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/03/05/exclusive-rt-today-anchor-liz-wahl-explains-why-she-quit.html | |||
| }}</ref> | |||
| Prominent dissident ] said that Crimea should stay within Ukraine with broader autonomy.<ref name="Interfax">{{cite news |url=http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=487296|title=Khodorkovsky: Crimea should stay within Ukraine with broad autonomous status|publisher=Interfax|date=10 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ], a republic within Russia populated by ], has sought to alleviate concerns about treatment of Tatars by Russia, as Tatarstan is a gas-rich and economically successful republic in Russia.<ref name="aljazeera.com">http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/03/crimea-crisis-tatarstan-factor-2014314143349496558.html</ref> On March 5, ] ] signed an agreement on cooperation between Tatarstan and the Aksyonov government in Crimea that implied collaboration between ten government institutions as well as significant financial aid to Crimea from Tatarstan businesses.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> On March 11, Minnikhanov was in Crimea on his second visit and attended as a guest present in the Crimean parliament chamber during the vote on the declaration of sovereignty pending the March 16 referendum.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> The Tatarstan's Mufti ] invited Crimean Tatars to study in madrasas in Kazan and declared support for their "brothers in faith and blood".<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> Recently ], a former leader of the Crimean Tatar Majlis, has declared that he is satisfied by Putin's reassurances to him on the safety of the Crimean Tatar community, changing his stance after earlier refusing to meet with Putin.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> Dzhemilev believes that forces that are suspected to be Russian forces should leave the Crimean peninsula.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> | |||
| On March 15, thousands of protesters (estimates varying from 3,000 by official sources up to 50,000 claimed by oppsition) in marched against Russian involvement in ], many waving Ukrainian flags.<ref>http://news.yahoo.com/thousands-moscow-protest-russias-action-crimea-003037662.html</ref> | |||
| At the same time a pro government (and pro-Crimean) rally, occuring literally across the street, counted thousands as well (officials claiming 27,000 with opposition claiming about 10,000). | |||
| On April 17, during the 12th 'Direct Line with Vladimir Putin' the use of Russian armed forces along with Crimean self-defence troops was avowed by the Russian president.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.newsru.com/russia/17apr2014/line.html#7 |title= Крым и Украина стали главными темами "прямой линии" Путина: россиян, несогласных с позицией президента, нет |date= 2014-04-17 |publisher= ] |accessdate= 2014-04-17 |language= Russian }}</ref> | |||
| ==International reactions== | |||
| {{main|International reactions to the 2014 Crimean crisis}} | |||
| [[File:Crimea reaction clean.svg|thumb|300px|right|International reaction to the 2014 Crimean crisis according to official governmental statements.{{efn|If an official position can be sorted in more than one category, the "strongest" position was marked (from the "call for a peaceful resolution" to "interpretation as a military intervention" consecutively). For the sources see the image description.}} | |||
| ---- | |||
| {{legend|#efef8f|''Statements only voicing concern or hope for peaceful resolution to the conflict''}} | |||
| {{legend|#57d2d2|''Support for Ukrainian territorial integrity''}} | |||
| {{legend|#289797|''Condemnation of Russian actions''}} | |||
| {{legend|#1b6565|''Condemnation of Russian actions as a military intervention or invasion''}} | |||
| {{legend|#d93cd9|''Support for Russian actions and/or condemnation of the Ukrainian interim government''}} | |||
| {{legend|#f08080|''Recognition of Russian interests''}} | |||
| ---- | |||
| {{legend|#497bd7|''Ukraine''}} | |||
| {{legend|#6a1f1f|''Russia''}} | |||
| ---- | |||
| {{legend|#CDCDCD|''No official statements / No data available''}}]] | |||
| ] | |||
| There has been a range of international reactions to the crisis. A U.N. General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution 100 in favor, 11 against and 58 abstentions in the 193-nation assembly that declared invalid Crimea's Moscow-backed referendum.<ref name="CHARBONNEAU AND DONATH"/><ref name="Felton and Gumuchian"/><ref name="un.org"/><ref name="foxnews.com"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine: UN condemns Crimea vote as IMF and US back loans|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26776416|newspaper=27 March 2014|date=BBC}}</ref> In a move supported by the Lithuanian President,<ref name=CNBC>{{cite news|title=Russia sanctions 9 US officials in response to US sanctions on Russian officials|url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/101489046|newspaper=CNBC|date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> the United States government imposed sanctions against persons they deem to have violated or assisted in the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty.<ref name="EO13660">{{cite press release | url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/06/executive-order-blocking-property-certain-persons-contributing-situation | title=Executive Order 13660 – Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine | publisher=White House Office of the Press Secretary | date=6 March 2014 | accessdate=6 March 2014}}</ref> The ] suspended talks with Russia on economic and visa related matters; and is considering more stringent sanctions against Russia in the near future, including asset freezes.<ref name="EUsanctions">{{cite news | url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/eu-leaders-weighing-sanctions-russia-22795279 | title=EU Slaps Initial Sanctions on Russia | agency=Associated Press | date=6 March 2014 | agency=ABC News | accessdate=7 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="mainichi.jp"/> while Japan announced sanctions which include suspension of talks relating to military, space, investment, and visa requirements.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/03/18/japan-imposes-sanctions-against-russia-over-crimea-independence/</ref> The ] decided on March 11 to enter into a full free-trade agreement with Ukraine this year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Baker |first=Luke |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/11/us-eu-ukraine-trade-idUSBREA2A10D20140311 |title=EU to offer 500 million euros of trade benefits to Ukraine |publisher=Reuters |date= |accessdate=2014-03-11}}</ref> On March 12, the ] rejected the upcoming referendum on independence in Crimea, which they saw as manipulated and contrary to international and Ukrainian law.<ref></ref> The ] bloc of developed nations (the ] minus Russia) made a joint statement condemning Russia and announced that they will suspend preparations for the upcoming ] in June.<ref>{{cite news |work=Political ticker |publisher=CNN |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 |type=] log |date=2 March 2014}}</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 |work=The Guardian |date=2 March 2014 |place=UK}}</ref> ] condemned Russia's military escalation in Crimea and stated that it was breach of international law<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/official_texts_107681.htm |title=North Atlantic Council statement on the situation in Ukraine |publisher=Nato.int |date= |accessdate=2014-03-03}}</ref> while the ] expressed its full support for the territorial integrity and national unity of Ukraine.<ref>http://www.assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/News/News-View-EN.asp?newsid=4908&lang=2&cat=17</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 respect Ukrainian and international law and in line with the provisions of the ].<ref name=Visegrad>{{cite press release |title=Statement of the Prime Ministers of the Visegrad countries on Ukraine |url=http://www.kormany.hu/en/prime-minister-s-office/news/statement-of-the-prime-ministers-of-the-visegrad-countries-on-ukraine |place=Hungary |publisher=Prime Minister's Office|title=Statement of the Prime Ministers of the Visegrád Countries on Ukraine}}</ref> | |||
| China said "We respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine". A spokesman restated China's belief of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations and urged dialogue.<ref name=ibtbacchi1>{{cite news|last=FlorCruz |first=Jaime |title=Russia may find ally in China – albeit a passive one for now|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/05/world/asia/china-russia-ukraine-analysis/|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=CNN|date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref name=ibtbacchi2>{{cite news|last=Economy|first=Elizabeth|title=China's Soft 'Nyet' To Russia's Ukraine Intervention|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabetheconomy/2014/03/05/chinas-soft-nyet-to-russias-ukraine-intervention/|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Forbes|date=6 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] ] of ] stated that Russia has legitimate interests in Crimea and called for "sustained diplomatic efforts" and "constructive dialogue" to resolve the crisis.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia has legitimate interests in Ukraine: Shivshankar Menon, NSA|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/russia-has-legitimate-interests-in-ukraine-shivshankar-menon-nsa/articleshow/31546699.cms|accessdate=7 March 2014|publisher=The Economic Times|date=6 March 2014}}</ref> However, the National Security Advisor is not a part of the ] of India and, as such, Menon's statement was not an official statement issued by the government of India.<ref>"However, when questioned, national security adviser Shivshankar Menon said..." ()</ref> However, India subsequently made it clear that it will not support any "unilateral measures" against Russian government. "India has never supported unilateral sanctions against any country. Therefore, we will also not support any unilateral measures by a country or a group of countries against Russia."<ref>{{cite news|title=India not to support western sanctions against Russia|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-not-to-support-western-sanctions-against-Russia/articleshow/32307749.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=Mar 19, 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Both ] and ] openly support Russian military action. Syrian President ] said that he supports Putin's efforts to "restore security and stability in the friendly country of Ukraine", while Venezuelan President ] condemned Ukraine's "ultra-nationalist" coup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euronews.com/2014/03/06/bashar-al-assad-letter-of-support-to-putin/ |title=Syria's Assad expresses support to Putin on Ukraine |publisher=euronews |date=18 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="SFGATE">{{cite web | url=http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Putin-on-Ukraine-Supported-by-5311093.php | title=Putin on Ukraine Supported by China-Syria-Venezuela Minority | publisher=San Francisco Chronicle | work=Bloomberg News | date=12 March 2014 | accessdate=12 March 2014}}</ref> Sri Lanka described Yanukovych's removal as unconstitutional and considered Russia's concerns in Crimea as justified.<ref></ref> | |||
| Polish Prime Minister ] called for change in EU energy policy as Germany's dependence on Russian gas poses risks for Europe.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/russia-political-economic-damage-ukraine-merkel|title=Germany's dependence on Russian gas poses risks for Europe – Polish PM|publisher=Reuters|date=10 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On March 13, German Chancellor ] warned Moscow it risks massive damage to Russia, economically and politically, if it refuses to change course on Ukraine,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/russia-political-economic-damage-ukraine-merkel|title=Russia risks political and economic damage over Ukraine, says Merkel|publisher=The Guardian|date=13 March 2014}}</ref> though close economic links between Germany and Russia significantly reduce the scope for Berlin to sanction the Eurasian giant.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Bryant |first = Chris |date = 27 March 2014 |title = German business concerns grow over Russia ties |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ccc5cfd8-b449-11e3-bac4-00144feabdc0.html |work = ] |accessdate = 27 March 2014 |quote = German entities have invested roughly €20bn in Russia and some 6,200 companies – mostly small and medium-sized Mittelstand businesses – are active there. Last year trade between the two countries totalled more than €76bn. … Russia supplies 35 per cent of German gas and 30 per cent of its oil. }}</ref> | |||
| After Russia moved to formally incorporate Crimea, some worried whether it may not do the same in other regions.<ref name=Transdniester>{{cite news|last=Freeman|first=Colin|title=Russian troops poised to 'run' into Moldova, Nato commander warns|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/moldova/10717260/Russian-troops-poised-to-run-into-Moldova-Nato-commander-warns.html|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=24 March 2014}}</ref> US deputy national security advisor ] said that the Russian troops massed on the eastern Ukrainian border may be preparing to enter the country's eastern regions. Russian officials stated that Russian troops would not enter other areas.<ref name=Transdniester /> US Air Force Gen. ], NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, warned that the same troops were in a position to take over the separatist Russian-speaking ]n province of ].<ref name=Transdniester /> | |||
| On 9 April, ] deprived Russia of voting rights.<ref></ref> | |||
| ===Recognition=== | |||
| {{Further|Political status of Crimea and Sevastopol|International reactions to the 2014 Crimean crisis}} | |||
| ]}}{{legend|black|Crimea}}|300px|thumb|right]] | |||
| The ] was recognized by 18 states, 15 of whom were UN members. | |||
| Five UN members (],<ref name="nytimes1"/> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/nicaragua-recognizes-crimea-as-part-of-russia-341102.html |title=Nicaragua recognizes Crimea as part of Russia |publisher=Kyivpost.com |date=2014-03-27 |accessdate=2014-04-01}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724749 |title=ITAR-TASS: Russia – Russian Federation Council ratifies treaty on Crimea’s entry to Russia |publisher=En.itar-tass.com |date=2014-03-16 |accessdate=2014-04-01}}</ref> ],<ref name="nytimes1">http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/world/asia/breaking-with-the-west-afghan-leader-supports-russias-annexation-of-crimea.html?ref=asia&_r=0</ref> ]<ref name="nytimes1"/>) have explicitly accepted the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol as federal subjects of Russia: | |||
| According to ], Crimea is ''de jure'' part of Ukraine, but ''de facto'' part of Russia. Its wording thus far has been vague: it includes "Ukraine should remain an integral, indivisible, non-aligned state" and "As for Crimea, I do not like it when the integrity and independence of a country are broken", on the one hand, and "Today Crimea is part of the Russian Federation. No matter whether you recognize it or not, the fact remains." and "Whether Crimea will be recognized as a region of the Russian Federation de-jure does not really matter", on the other hand.<ref>. president.gov.by. 23 March 2014.</ref> | |||
| ===Sanctions=== | |||
| {{main|List of individuals sanctioned during the 2014 Crimean crisis}} | |||
| Sanctions were imposed to prevent Russian and Crimean officials and politicians traveling to Canada, the United States, and the European Union. They were the most wide-ranging used on Russia since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union.<ref name="Katakey">{{Cite news |last = Katakey |first = Rakteem |date = 25 March 2014 |title = Russian Oil Seen Heading East Not West in Crimea Spat |url = http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-25/russian-oil-seen-heading-east-not-west-in-crimea-spat.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 25 March 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| Japan announced milder sanctions than the US and EU. These include suspension of talks relating to military, space, investment, and visa requirements.<ref></ref> | |||
| In response to the sanctions introduced by the U.S. and EU, the ] unanimously passed a resolution asking for all members of the Duma to be included on the sanctions list.<ref name="dumasanctions">{{cite news|url=http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_03_18/All-Russian-MPs-volunteer-to-be-subject-to-US-EU-sanctions-7889/|title=All Russian MPs volunteer to be subject to US, EU sanctions|publisher=2014-03-18|accessdate=2014-03-20}}</ref> Head of the opposition ] party ] said he was proud of being included on the sanctions list, "It is with pride that I have found myself on the black list, this means they have noticed my stance on Crimea."<ref name=dumasanctions/> Russian companies started pulling billions of dollars out of Western banks to avoid any asset freeze.<ref name = "FT freeze">{{Cite news |last1 = Jenkins |first1 = Patrick |last2 = Schäfer |first2 = Daniel |last3 = Weaver |first3 = Courtney |last4 = Farchy |first4 = Jack |date = 14 March 2014 |title = Russian companies withdraw billions from west, say Moscow bankers |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ffea2660-ab9e-11e3-aad9-00144feab7de.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 27 March 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| Three days after the lists were published, the ] published a reciprocal sanctions list of US citizens, which consisted of 10 names, including House of Representatives Speaker ], Senator ], and two advisers to President Obama. The ministry said in the statement, "Treating our country in such way, as Washington could have already ascertained, is inappropriate and counterproductive," and reiterated that sanctions against Russia would have a boomerang effect.<ref> '']'' Retrieved on March 20, 2014</ref> Several of those sanctioned responded with pride at their inclusion on the list, including ],<ref name=WaPo>{{cite news|last=Lowery & O'Keefe|first=Wesley & Ed|title=Reacting to sanctions, Russians ban Reid, Boehner and four other lawmakers|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/03/20/reacting-to-sanctions-russians-ban-reid-boehner-and-7-other-lawmakers/|newspaper=Washington Post|date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> ],<ref name=WaPo/> ],<ref name=NJ>{{cite news|last=Isherwood|first=Darryl|title=Bob Menendez is banned from Russia|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/bob_menendez_is_banned_from_russia.html|newspaper=NJ|date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> ],<ref name=WaPo/> ],<ref name=Slate>{{cite news|last=Weigel|first=David|title=Senators Celebrate Being Sanctioned by Russia|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2014/03/20/senators_celebrate_being_sanctioned_by_russia.html|newspaper=Slate|date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> and ].<ref name=Slate/> | |||
| On March 24, Russia has imposed retaliatory sanctions on 13 Canadian officials including members of the ],<ref name="theglobeandmail.com">http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/russia-bans-entry-to-13-canadians-in-retaliation-for-ottawas-sanctions/article17635115/</ref> banning them from entering Russia. Foreign Affairs Minister ], said the sanctions were "a badge of honour."<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/russian-sanctions-against-canadians-a-badge-of-honour-1.2584137</ref> Former ] ] also said that he considered the sanctions a badge of honour, not a mark of exclusion.<ref name="theglobeandmail.com"/> | |||
| Expanded Western sanctions in mid-March coursed through financial markets, hitting the business interests of some Russia's richest people.<ref name = "FT share prices">{{Cite news |last1 = Farchy |first1 = Jack |last2 = Hume |first2 = Neil |date = 21 March 2014 |title = Russian share prices drop as sanctions bite |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9ffba124-b0d6-11e3-9f6f-00144feab7de.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 21 March 2014 }}</ref> The Americans' centered on the heart of Moscow's leadership,<ref name = "FT inner circle">{{Cite news |last = Buckley|first = Neil |date = 21 March 2014 |title = Putin feels the heat as sanctions target president's inner circle |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c8859528-b11c-11e3-bbd4-00144feab7de.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 21 March 2014 }}</ref> though the EU's initial list shied from targeting Putin's inner circle.<ref name = "EU trade war">{{Cite news |last = Traynor |first = Ian |date = 21 March 2014 |title = European Union prepares for trade war with Russia over Crimea |url = http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/21/eu-mobilises-trade-war-russia-crimea-ukraine |publisher = ] |accessdate = 22 March 2014 }}</ref> As ratings agencies ] and ] downgraded Russia's credit outlook,<ref name = "Bloomberg downgrade">{{Cite news |last = Tanas |first = Olga |date = 21 March 2014 |title = Russia's Credit Outlook Cut as U.S., EU Widen Sanction Lists |url = http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-20/russia-outlook-cut-to-negative-by-s-p-as-obama-widens-sanctions.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 21 March 2014 }}</ref> Russian banks warned of a sanctions-induced recession,<ref name="bloomberg.com">{{Cite news |last1 = Timu |first1 = Andra |last2 = Meyer |first2 = Henry |last3 = Tanas |first3 = Olga |date = 23 March 2014 |title = Russia Staring at Recession on Sanctions That Could Get Tougher |url = http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-23/russia-staring-at-recession-on-sanctions-that-could-get-tougher.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 23 March 2014 }}</ref> the country braced for capital outflows for the first three months of 2014 to reach $70 billion,<ref name = "FT capital flows">{{Cite news |last1 = Hille |first1 = Kathrin |last2 = McGregor |first2 = Richard |date = 24 March 2014 |title = Russia braced for $70bn in outflows |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/19b9ad88-b37c-11e3-bc21-00144feabdc0.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 24 March 2014 }}</ref> more than the entirety of outflows for 2013,<ref name="ft.com">{{Cite news |last1 = Weaver |first1 = Courtney |last2 = Farchy |first2 = Jack |date = 25 March 2014 |title = Funds cut Russian holdings after sanctions |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b67f8da4-b3f4-11e3-a102-00144feabdc0.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 27 March 2014 |quote = Deputy economy minister Andrei Klepach estimates that Russian capital outflows will total up to $70bn in the first quarter, more than the $63bn that left the country during the whole of 2013.}}</ref> and Russian government-bond issues plummeted by three-quarters compared with the same period the previous year.<ref>{{Cite news |last1 = Farchy |first1 = Jack |last2 = Arnold |first2 = Martin |date = 18 April 2014 |title = Banks retreat from Moscow deals |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/36e988ea-c576-11e3-89a9-00144feabdc0.html |publisher = ft.com |accessdate = 19 April 2014 }}</ref> Novatek, Russia's second-largest gas producer, saw $2.5bn in market value wiped out when its shares sank by nearly 10%, rendering Putin's close friend ], who has a 23% stake in the company, $575m poorer.<ref name = "FT share prices"/> "I do hope that there is some serious diplomatic activity going on behind the scenes," said one Russian banker,<ref name = "FT executives">{{Cite news |last1 = Farchy |first1 = Jack |last2 = Hille |first2 = Kathrin |last3 = Weaver |first3 = Courtney |date = 21 March 2014 |title = Russian executives quake as US sanctions rattle markets |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3f35068a-b119-11e3-9548-00144feab7de.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 21 March 2014 }}</ref> though others were more sanguine on the question of whether the sanctions would have any enduring effect,<ref name = "Bloomberg downgrade"/><ref name = "Bloomberg muted">{{Cite news |last = Pavliva |first = Halia |date = 23 March 2014 |title = EU's Muted Crimea Response Triggers Russian Stock Rebound |url = http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-23/eu-s-muted-crimea-response-triggers-russian-stock-rebound.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 23 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name="uk.reuters.com">{{Cite news |last1 = Matzen |first1 = Eric |last2 = Martin |first2 = Michelle |date = 21 March 2014 |title = Russian sanctions ripple through corporate boardrooms |url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/03/21/uk-europe-sanctions-idUKBREA2K1VD20140321 |agency = ] |accessdate = 21 March 2014 }}</ref> and Russians, top and bottom, seemed defiant.<ref name = "FT defiant">{{Cite news |last = Hille |first = Kathrin |date = 21 March 2014 |title = Putin boosted by defiant tone at top and among people |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1dca5172-b122-11e3-9548-00144feab7de.html |publisher = ] |accessdate = 21 March 2014 }}</ref> The official Russian response was mixed.<ref>{{Cite news |last1 = Alpert |first1 = Lukas I. |last2 = Sonne |first2 = Paul |date = 21 March 2014 |title = Russia Sends Mixed Signals in Response to U.S. Sanctions |url = http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303802104579452751446729822 |publisher = ] |accessdate = 21 March 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| As well as differences between the United States and Europe as a whole as to how to respond to the Russian-backed incursion, those same differences have played out among Eastern European countries.<ref name = "Bberg EE diffs">{{Cite news |last = Fraher |first = John |date = 18 April 2014 |title = Energy Needs Curb Eastern EU Hunger for Russian Sanctions |url = http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-18/putin-gas-splits-eastern-eu-over-russia-sanctions.html |publisher = bloomberg.com |accessdate = 18 April 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| ====Sporting events==== | |||
| The game of the 21st round of the ] on March 15 between ] and ] was forced to take place in Kiev at ] instead of the ] in ].<ref name="fpl.ua">. Premier League of Ukraine. March 8, 2014</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 name="Babiak">{{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 name="foreignpolicy.com">{{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 |work=Foreign policy |date=26 February 2014}}</ref> Political scientist Uriel Abulof suggested that instead of rejecting the referendum outright, the West should have proposed a moratorium on a free plebiscite, arguing that the clash over the principle of self-determination unearthed an emergent “global crisis of legitimacy.”<ref name="huffingtonpost.com"/> | |||
| Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s opinion was that “Earlier Crimea was merged with Ukraine under Soviet laws, to be more exact by the party's laws, without asking the people, and now the people have decided to correct that mistake. This should be welcomed instead of declaring sanctions."<ref>http://rt.com/news/mistake-fixed-crimea-gorbachev-422/</ref> | |||
| ], the great-granddaughter of former Soviet Premier ] and a Russian Affairs professor at the ], New York City, said that the aim of Crimea was 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 acknowledged 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 China or ] to demand back their own "stolen lands".<ref name="Russia's Crimean Shore">{{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=28 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Volodymyr Panchenko, of the Kiev-based think-tank ], said on February 28 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 independence from Ukraine. The way events are unfolding in Crimea "is not a good precedent for the ]."<ref name="Deutsche Welle">{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.de/historical-tensions-bubble-up-in-crimea/a-17465196 |title=Historical tensions bubble up in Crimea |publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=28 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Russian opposition leader and chess Grandmaster ], former US National Security Advisor ], former US secretary of state ], Ukrainian MP ] (]), former foreign minister of the Czech Republic, ], as well as the Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada ] all compared Russia's actions to Nazi Germany's policy before the start of ], after the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Crimea invasion: Putin acting like Hitler in Ukraine land snatch |newspaper=The International Business Times |place=UK |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/crimea-invasion-putin-acting-like-hitler-ukraine-land-snatch-1438714}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Hillary Clinton says Vladimir Putin's Crimea occupation echoes Hitler|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/06/hillary-clinton-says-vladimir-putins-crimea-occupation-echoes-hitler|newspaper=The Guardian|date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="Reitschuster">{{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 name="video.cnbc.com">{{cite video |title=Putin 'a new Hitler heading for Europe': Ukrainian MP|publisher=CNBC |url=http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000251410}}</ref><ref name="Canadian Broadcasting Corporation">{{cite news |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |place=Canada |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> | |||
| Former ] ] called Russia's actions "perfectly understandable", and considers sanctions being imposed by the US and EU "foolish".<ref name="spiegel.de"> '']'' – Retrieved on March 27, 2014</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 ] in Austria."<ref name="Project Maidan">{{cite web |title=Ukraine's chief Rabbi on claims of Ukrainian |publisher=Project Maidan |url=http://projectmaidan.com/post/78566439139/ukraines-chief-rabbi-on-claims-of-ukrainian}}</ref> | |||
| Commentaries and editorials published by China's state-run ]<ref name=20140307xinhua>Ming Jinwei (2014-03-07) . Xinhua News Agency.</ref> and '']''<ref name=20140306globaltimes>. ''Global Times'' (6 March 2014)</ref> supported Russia's position on the situation, though Chinese president Xi Jinping said China's position was neutral, and noted Crimea's status does not meaningfully affect his country.<ref>{{Cite news |last1 = Brown |first1 = Stephen |last2 = Breidthardt |first2 = Annika |date = 28 March 2014 |title = China takes no sides on Ukraine crisis, Xi tells Europe |url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/03/28/uk-ukraine-china-germany-idUKBREA2R1CE20140328 |agency = ] |accessdate = 30 March 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| ====Ukraine's territorial integrity==== | |||
| The crisis aroused discussion of the concept of "]".<ref name=Voeten>{{cite news|last=Voeten|first=Erik|title=What is so great about ‘territorial integrity’ anyway?|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/17/what-is-so-great-about-territorial-integrity-anyway/|accessdate=13 April 2014|newspaper=Washington Post (blog)|date=17 March 2014}}</ref> The phrase was used by many governments and commentators,<ref name=Voeten /> and according to Erik Voeten, referred to the idea that borders could only be changed by mutual agreement between two countries. Voeten argued that while the principle produces less conflict, "the status quo looks best to states that won the last war," and did not appeal to Russia as much as to Western states.<ref name=Voeten /> ] stated that the situation in Crimea involved a "global principle: whether national boundaries can be changed by brute force," and questioned what effects it might have on other regions with contested boundaries.<ref name=Zakaria>{{cite news|last=Zakaria|first=Fareed|title=Why (this time) Obama must lead|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/fareed-zakaria-on-ukraine-obama-must-lead-from-the-front/2014/03/13/10b9359a-aaea-11e3-af5f-4c56b834c4bf_story.html|accessdate=13 April 2014|newspaper=Washington Post (blog)|date=14 March 2014}}</ref> Bryan Frederick of the ] stated "the widely accepted principle that international borders are not subject to further revision" had been responsible for decreased international conflict in recent decades, and that Russia's involvement threatened the idea, which had been eroding since the ] and as a result of the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Frederick|first=Bryan|title=Ukraine and the Death of Territorial Integrity|url=http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/ukraine-the-death-territorial-integrity-9997|accessdate=13 April 2014|newspaper=The National Interest|date=5 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
| A wider partitioning of Ukraine, while opposed by many commentators<ref name=Klion>{{cite news|last=Klion|first=David|title=Partition is not an option|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/3/ukraine-partitioncrimeaputinyanukovich.html|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=Al Jazeera America|date=7 March 2014}}</ref> and goverments,<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkish FM Davutoğlu warns over partition of Ukraine|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-fm-davutoglu-warns-over-partition-of-ukraine-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=63110&NewsCatID=338|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=Hurriyet Daily News|date=2 March 2014|location=Ankara}}</ref> had a few proponents.<ref>{{cite news|last=Black|first=Crispin|title=Ukraine solution: West should back off and support partition|url=http://www.theweek.co.uk/world-news/ukraine/57546/ukraine-solution-west-should-back-and-support-partition|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=The Week|date=3 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Burger|first=Ethan|title=Could partition solve Ukraine’s problems?|url=http://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/ethan-s-burger/could-partition-solve-ukraine%E2%80%99s-problems|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=openDemocracy|date=19 February 2010}}</ref> Media were accused of exaggerating the regional differences in Ukraine through misleading maps implying clear linguistic or ethnic boundaries.<ref name=Klion /> Russian politician ] proposed to partition Ukraine on historical grounds.<ref name=division>{{cite news|last=Kelley|first=Lidia|title=Russian politician proposes new divisions of Ukraine|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/24/ukraine-crisis-partition-letter-idUSL5N0ML1LO20140324|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=Reuters|date=24 March 2014}}</ref><ref name=LDPR>{{cite news|last=Monaghan|first=Jennifer|title=LDPR Advises Poland, Romania and Hungary to Divide Ukraine|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/ldpr-advises-poland-romania-and-hungary-to-divide-ukraine/496716.html|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=Moscow Times|date=24 March 2014}}</ref> He sent letters to the governments of Poland,<ref name=division /><ref name=ETN >{{cite news|last=Makarov|first=Dmitri|title=Russian party leader proposed to divide Ukraine between Russia, Poland, Romania and Hungary|url=http://www.eturbonews.com/43959/russian-party-leader-proposed-divide-ukraine-between-russia-pola|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=eTurboNews|date=24 March 2014|agency=ETN Ukraine}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Polska otrzymała propozycję ws. podziału Ukrainy |url=http://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Polska-otrzymala-oficjalna-propozycje-ws-podzialu-Ukrainy-MAPA-3088181.html|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=Bankier.pl|date=23 March 2014|agency=Informacyjna Agencja Radiowa (Polskie Radio)|language=Polish}}</ref> Romania,<ref>{{cite news|last=Stroe|first=Daniel|title=Russian firebrand proposes Romania to take a portion of Ukraine|url=http://www.balkaneu.com/russian-firebrand-proposes-romania-portion-ukraine/|accessdate=13 April 2014|newspaper=Independent Balkan News Agency|date=24 March 2014|location=Bucharest}}</ref> and Hungary;<ref>{{cite news|title=Russian politician’s idea of giving Ukrainian land to Hungary "absurd", says ministry|url=http://www.politics.hu/20140324/russian-politicians-idea-of-giving-ukrainian-land-to-hungary-absurd-says-ministry/|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=Politics.hu|date=24 March 2014|agency=MTI (Hungary)}}</ref> none took the idea seriously. Zhirinovsky's position conflicted from the Kremlin's,<ref>{{cite news|title=Stock futures higher as Putin says ‘no partition’|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/stock-futures-dip-ahead-of-housing-starts-inflation-2014-03-18|accessdate=24 March 2014|newspaper=Market Watch|date=18 March 2014|author=William L. Watts|author2=Barbara Kollmeyer}}</ref> but some considered it a reflection of increasing nationalism in Russia.<ref name=division /> | |||
| Some, such as Belarusian president ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/world/727600|accessdate=14 April 2014|date=13 April 2014|agency=ITAR-TASS}}</ref> also considered Russia's proposal to federalize Ukraine, as a threat to Ukraine's territorial integrity. Mykola Riabchuk argued that the result would be "highly vulnerable to Russian subversion, manipulation and sabotage."<ref>{{cite news|last=Riabchuk|first=Mykola|title=Ukraine: Russian propaganda and three disaster scenarios|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/04/ukraine-russia-propaganda-thre-201441112542990923.html|accessdate=14 April 2014|newspaper=Al Jazeera|date=11 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==Related places== | |||
| * ], where Crimea ] from Ukraine was declared, on March 11, 2014. | |||
| * ], a ] in Crimea | |||
| * ], planned bridge spanning the ] | |||
| * ], which has held demonstrations calling for a secession referendum of its own<ref name="donestk">{{cite web|url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2014/03/22/ukraine-east-rallies-for-secession-referendum/3S6AkuRdNQuctEnY8wnB3N/story.html|title=Ukraine’s east rallies for secession referendum}}</ref> | |||
| * ], sinking of a ] ''Shakhter'' and an anti-submarine ship '']'', on March 5–6, 2014 | |||
| * ], Ukrainian garrison was surrounded by the Russian troops | |||
| * ] and ], checkpoints, established on February 27, 2014<ref name="feb27"></ref><ref name="wsj-feb28">{{cite web |url= http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304071004579410931310849454 |title= Crimea Checkpoints Raise Secession Fears |date= 2014-04-17 |website= |publisher= ] |accessdate= 2014-04-17 }}</ref> | |||
| * ], a checkpoint, standoff since February 27, 2014<ref name="feb27"/><ref name="wsj-feb28"/> | |||
| * ], a strategic ferry connection with ]'s ] | |||
| * ], where pro-Russian forces have taken over parts of the town, leading to fighting between those forces and the Ukranian army<ref name=BBC27008026>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27008026|title=Ukraine crisis: Casualties in Sloviansk gun battles|publisher=BBC News|date=13 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| {{Div col||20em}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] (e.g. ]) | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] (1854–1856) | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| {{Div col end}} | |||
| ==Notes== | |||
| {{notelist|2}} | |||
| {{reflist|group=nb}} | |||
| ==References== | |||
| '''Footnotes''' | |||
| {{Reflist|25em}} | |||
| '''Other references''' | |||
| <!-- place old references not used on the body anymore here --> | |||
| {{col-list|3| | |||
| # {{cite web| url= http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/721148 | newspaper =ITAR-TASS | title = Russia – Western and Central commands start massive redeployment | date = 2013-07-24 |accessdate=2014-03-03}} | |||
| # {{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= 2014-03-03 | accessdate = 2014-03-03}} | |||
| # {{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= Yahoo | date= 2014-02-26 |accessdate= 2014-03-03}} | |||
| # | |||
| # {{cite news|title=Премьером Крыма выбрали бандита по кличке Гоблин, — Сенченко |url=http://news.eizvestia.com/news_politics/full/661-premerom-kryma-vybrali-bandita-po-klichke-goblin-senchenko |accessdate=March 4, 2014|newspaper=]|date=March 4, 2014}} | |||
| # {{Cite web| url = http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/crimean-parliament-dismisses-autonomous-republics-government-337803.html | title = Crimean parliament dismisses autonomous republic's government | date = Feb 27, 2014| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{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}} | |||
| # {{cite web|url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/02/28/ukraine-crisis-helicopters-idUKR4N0IH00420140228 | title = Russian helicopters fly over Crimea – Ukraine border guards | place = UK | publisher = Reuters |date = 2009-02-09 |accessdate=2014-03-02}} | |||
| # {{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= 2014-03-01 |accessdate=2014-03-02}} | |||
| # {{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| first1 =Alissa | last1 = de Carbonnel| first2 = Alessandra | last2 = Prentice|agency= Reuters}} | |||
| # {{cite web| 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 = Pravda | place = RU |date=2014-02-24 |accessdate=2014-03-02}} | |||
| # {{Cite journal| place = ] | url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-revolt-was-anti-constitutional-coup-putin-says-1.2558841 | title = Ukraine revolt was anti-constitutional coup, Putin says | publisher = ] | accessdate = 4 March 2014| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{cite web |last=Pulkki |first= Arto |title= Crimea Invaded By High Readiness Forces Of The Russian Federation |work=Suomen Sotilas |year=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}} | |||
| # {{Cite news| publisher = Google | url = http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hQk2tGUfVGUorTi8U-ImIkcPwK7A?docId=b9608342-357e-4401-b7be-5218b1630df2&hl=en | newspaper = AFP | title = Russia denies controlling pro-Moscow force in Crimea| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{Cite news| url = http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/03/04/putin_dials_back_tensions_a_notch_in_crimea.html | title = Putin dials back tensions a notch in Crimea | newspaper = The Toronto Star| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{Cite journal| url = http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26433309 | title = Putin: Russia not yet sending troops into Ukraine | publisher = BBC | date = 4 March 2014| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{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 | work = The Huffington Post}} | |||
| # {{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 = 3 Mar 2014}} | |||
| # {{Cite news| url = http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/02/uk-france-pull-out-g8-preparatory-talks-ukraine-russia-military | title = UK and France pull out of G8 preparatory talks over Ukraine crisis | place = UK | newspaper = The Guardian| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{Cite news| url = http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/03/ukraine-vladimir-putin-angela-merkel-russian | title = Ukraine crisis: Vladimir Putin has lost the plot, says German chancellor | place = UK | newspaper = The Guardian| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{Cite news| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/02/us-ukraine-crisis-italy-idUSBREA210OP20140302 | title = Italy appeals to Russia to negotiate, not invade Ukraine | newspaper = Reuters| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{Cite web| url = http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/03/01/statement-prime-minister-canada-situation-ukraine | title = Statement on the situation in Ukraine | author = Prime Minister of Canada| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| # {{Cite news| url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10674260/Ukraine-crisis-EU-gives-Russia-48-hour-deadline-to-return-troops-to-barracks-in-Crimea.html | title = Ukraine crisis: EU gives Russia 48-hour deadline to return troops to barracks in Crimea | newspaper = The Telegraph | place = UK| postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} }} | |||
| }} | |||
| ==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}} | |||
| * ]. ''''. New Republic. 1 March 2014. | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{Commons category}} | |||
| {{Wikinews|Wikinews interviews specialists on Russian intervention in Ukraine}} | |||
| * at ] | |||
| * at the '']'' | |||
| * at '']'' | |||
| * at ] | |||
| * at ] | |||
| * at the ] | |||
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