Republic of Crimea (Russia): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 45°18′N 34°24′E / 45.3°N 34.4°E / 45.3; 34.4
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m Reverted edits by 85.26.233.191 (talk) (HG) (3.4.10)
Reverted 1 edit by CapLiber (talk): Rv, previous wording is correct, the annexation itself is unrecognized, not administrative bodies. New map also not helpful, all red and includes Sevastopol
 
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{{short description|First-level administrative division of Russia, annexed territory of Ukraine}}
{{short description|First-level administrative division of Russia, annexed territory of Ukraine}}
{{about|the claimed federal subject of Russia|the autonomous republic of Ukraine|Autonomous Republic of Crimea|other uses}}
{{about|the administrative division of Russia|the administrative division of Ukraine|Autonomous Republic of Crimea|other uses|Crimea (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox Russian federal subject
{{Infobox settlement
|en_name = Republic of Crimea
| name = Republic of Crimea
| native_name = {{unbulleted list|item_style=font-size:90%;|Республика Крым ([[Russian language|Russian]])|Республіка Крим ([[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]])|Къырым Джумхуриети ([[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]])}}
|ru_name = Республика Крым
| native_name_lang =
|loc_name1 = {{lang|uk|Республіка Крим}}, {{lang|uk-Latn|Respublika Krym}}
| settlement_type = [[Republics of Russia|Republic]]{{efn|Sovereignty disputed by Ukraine as the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]]}}
|loc_lang1 = [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]
| image_flag = Flag of Crimea.svg
|loc_name2 = {{lang|crh-Cyrl|Къырым Джумхуриети, {{lang|crh|{{lang|crh-Latn|Qırım Cumhuriyeti}}}}}}
| flag_link = Flag of Crimea
|loc_lang2 = [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]]
|image_map = Map of Russia - Crimea.svg
| image_shield = Emblem of Crimea.svg
| shield_link = Coat of arms of Crimea
|map_caption = {{map caption |countryprefix=the |location_color=red |region = Russia |region_color=light yellow}}
| anthem = {{lang|ru|[[Hymn of Crimea|Нивы и горы твои волшебны, Родина]]}}<br />{{transliteration|ru|Nivy i gory tvoi volshebny, Rodina}} ([[Russian language|Russian]])<br />"Your fields and mountains are magical, Motherland"{{parabr}}{{center|[[File:Гимн Республики Крым.ogg]]}}
|image_map2 = Outline Map of Crimea in Russia (vector).svg
| image_map = Map of Russia - Crimea.svg
|map_caption2= {{map caption |countryprefix=the |location_color=light yellow |region=the [[Crimean Peninsula]] |region_color=none}}
| map_caption = {{map caption |countryprefix=the |location_color=red |region = Russia |region_color=light yellow}}
|coordinates = {{coord|45|24|N|35|18|E|type:adm1st_region:RU|display=it}}
|image_coa = Emblem of Crimea.svg
| image_map1 = Outline Map of Crimea in Russia (2014–2022).svg
| map_caption1 = {{map caption |countryprefix=the |location_color=light yellow |region=the [[Crimean Peninsula]] |region_color=none}}
|coa_caption = [[Coat of arms of Crimea|Coat of arms]]
| coordinates = {{coord|45.3|34.4|scale:2000000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|image_flag = Flag of Crimea.svg
| subdivision_type1 = [[Federal districts of Russia|Federal district]]
|flag_caption= [[Flag of Crimea|Flag]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Southern Federal District|Southern]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uatoday.tv/politics/crimea-becomes-part-of-vast-southern-federal-district-of-russia-705731.html|title=Crimea becomes part of vast Southern federal district of Russia|date=28 July 2016|publisher=[[Ukraine Today]]|language=en|access-date=28 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729150624/http://uatoday.tv/politics/crimea-becomes-part-of-vast-southern-federal-district-of-russia-705731.html|archive-date=29 July 2016}}</ref>
|anthem = <br />{{native name|ru|[[Hymn of Crimea|Нивы и горы твои волшебны, Родина]]|italics=off|nolink=on}}<br />{{transliteration|ru|Nivy i gory tvoi volshebny, Rodina}}{{nbsp|2}}(transliteration)<br />"Your fields and mountains are magical, Motherland"{{parabr}}{{center|[[File:Гимн Республики Крым.ogg]]}}
| subdivision_type2 = [[Economic regions of Russia|Economic region]]
|political_status =Republic
| subdivision_name2 = [[North Caucasus economic region|North Caucasus]]
|political_status_link =Republics of Russia
| established_title = Capture of the [[Verkhovna Rada of Crimea|Crimean parliament]] by Russian forces
|federal_district = [[Southern Federal District|Southern]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uatoday.tv/politics/crimea-becomes-part-of-vast-southern-federal-district-of-russia-705731.html|title=Crimea becomes part of vast Southern federal district of Russia|date=28 July 2016|publisher=[[Ukraine Today]]|language=en|access-date=28 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729150624/http://uatoday.tv/politics/crimea-becomes-part-of-vast-southern-federal-district-of-russia-705731.html|archive-date=29 July 2016}}</ref>
| established_date = 27 February 2014
|economic_region=[[North Caucasus economic region|North Caucasus]]
|adm_ctr_type = Capital
| seat_type = Administrative centre
|adm_ctr_name = [[Simferopol]]
| seat = [[Simferopol]]
| governing_body = [[State Council of Crimea|State Council]]
|adm_ctr_ref =
| leader_title = [[Head of the Republic of Crimea|Head]]
|official_lang_list = [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]];<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/08/putin-addresses-russia-parliament-crimea-2014814112124728279.html|title=Putin addresses Russia's parliament in Crimea|work=[[al Jazeera]]}}</ref> [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]]<ref name="aljazeera.com"/>
| leader_name = [[Sergey Aksyonov]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/crimea-deputies-back-acting-leader-sergei-aksyonov-to-head-republic/508688.html|title=Crimea Deputies Back Acting Leader Sergei Aksyonov to Head Republic – News|work=The Moscow Times|date=9 October 2014 }}</ref>
|official_lang_ref =
| area_total_km2 = 26,081
|pop_2021census = 1934630
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine|url=http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/info/regions/1-crimea|access-date=25 March 2014|archive-date=16 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316012018/http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/info/regions/1-crimea|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|pop_2021census_ref = <ref name="2021 census">{{Ru-pop-ref|2021census}}</ref>
| population_as_of = 2021
|pop_density
| population_total = 1,934,630
|pop_density_as_of
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2021 census">{{Ru-pop-ref|2021census}}</ref>
|pop_density_ref
| population_density_km2 = auto
|area_km2 = 26081
| population_density_sq_mi = auto
|area_km2_rank=
| demographics_type1 = Languages
|area_km2_ref = <ref>{{cite web|title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine|url=http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/info/regions/1-crimea|access-date=25 March 2014|archive-date=16 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316012018/http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/info/regions/1-crimea|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Official
|established_date = 18 March 2014<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31796226|title=Putin reveals secrets of Russia's Crimea takeover plot|date=9 March 2015|publisher=BBC|language=en|access-date=3 August 2016|quote=Crimea was formally absorbed into Russia on 18 March, to international condemnation, after unidentified gunmen took over the peninsula.}}</ref>
| demographics1_info1 = {{Plainlist|
|established_date_ref =
* [[Russian language|Russian]]
|license_plates = 82<ref>{{cite web|title=Order of Interior Ministry of Russia №316|publisher=Interior Ministry of Russia|url=http://mvf.klerk.ru/nb/426_01.htm|access-date=11 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:Для крымских автомобилистов приготовили новые номера|url=http://www.segodnya.ua/economics/avto/dlya-krymskih-avtomobilistov-prigotovili-novye-nomera-506797.html|website=[[Segodnya]]|access-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706143200/http://www.segodnya.ua/economics/avto/dlya-krymskih-avtomobilistov-prigotovili-novye-nomera-506797.html|archive-date=6 July 2015 |language=ru|date=2 April 2014}}</ref>
* [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]
|ISO =
* [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]]<ref>{{cite constitution |polity = the Republic of Crimea |article=10 |section=1 |date = 2014 |ref=CrimeaConstArt10}}</ref><ref name="LanguageLearning" />
|time_zone_ref = <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/402499/crimea-sets-clocks-to-moscow-time|agency=Bangkok Post|title=Crimea sets clocks to Moscow time|date=30 March 2014|access-date=29 March 2014}}</ref>
}}
|gov_as_of=October 2014
| utc_offset = +3
|leader_title = [[Head of the Republic of Crimea|Head]]
| timezone1 = [[Moscow Time|MSK]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia turns back clocks to permanent Winter Time |url= https://sg.news.yahoo.com/russia-turns-back-clocks-permanent-winter-time-194148905.html |agency=AFP |date=26 October 2014 |access-date=15 September 2023}}</ref>
|leader_title_ref=
| registration_plate_type = [[Vehicle registration plates of Russia|License plates]]
|leader_name = [[Sergey Aksyonov]]
| registration_plate = 82<ref>{{cite web|title=Order of Interior Ministry of Russia №316|publisher=Interior Ministry of Russia|url=http://mvf.klerk.ru/nb/426_01.htm|access-date=11 April 2014|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806164656/http://mvf.klerk.ru/nb/426_01.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:Для крымских автомобилистов приготовили новые номера|url=http://www.segodnya.ua/economics/avto/dlya-krymskih-avtomobilistov-prigotovili-novye-nomera-506797.html|website=[[Segodnya]]|access-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706143200/http://www.segodnya.ua/economics/avto/dlya-krymskih-avtomobilistov-prigotovili-novye-nomera-506797.html|archive-date=6 July 2015 |language=ru|date=2 April 2014}}</ref>
|leader_name_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/crimea-deputies-back-acting-leader-sergei-aksyonov-to-head-republic/508688.html|title=Crimea Deputies Back Acting Leader Sergei Aksyonov to Head Republic – News|work=The Moscow Times}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|http://crimea.gov.ru/}}
|legislature = [[State Council of Crimea|State Council]]
| established_title1 = [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Annexation by Russia]]
|legislature_ref =
| established_date1 = 18 March 2014<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31796226 |title=Putin reveals secrets of Russia's Crimea takeover plot |date=9 March 2015 |publisher=BBC |language=en |access-date=3 August 2016 |quote=Crimea was formally absorbed into Russia on 18 March, to international condemnation, after unidentified gunmen took over the peninsula.}}</ref>
|website = {{URL|http://crimea.gov.ru/}}
|website_ref =
|date = October 2014
}}
}}
The '''Republic of Crimea'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|k|r|ai|ˈ|m|iː|ə|,_|k|r|ɪ|-}}; {{lang-rus|Республика Крым}}, <small>[[Romanization of Russian|translit.]]</small> ''Respublika Krym'' {{IPA-ru|rʲɪsˈpublʲɪkə krɨm|}}; {{lang-uk|Республіка Крим}}, <small>[[Romanization of Ukrainian|translit.]]</small> ''Respublika Krym''; {{lang-crh|{{lang|crh-Cyrl|Къырым Джумхуриети}}, {{lang|crh-Latn|Qırım Cumhuriyeti}}}}}} is an entity which [[Russia]] considers to be one of its [[federal subjects of Russia|federal subjects]], a [[republics of Russia|republic]]. Before [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|its invasion and annexation by Russia]] in 2014, the territory was administered by Ukraine as the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]], and [[Political status of Crimea|almost all other countries recognize it as such]].


The '''Republic of Crimea'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|k|r|ai|ˈ|m|iː|ə|,_|k|r|ɪ|-}}; {{lang-rus|Республика Крым}}, <small>[[Romanization of Russian|translit.]]</small> ''Respublika Krym'' {{IPA-ru|rʲɪsˈpublʲɪkə krɨm|}}; {{lang-uk|Республіка Крим}}, <small>[[Romanization of Ukrainian|translit.]]</small> ''Respublika Krym'' {{IPA-uk|resˈpublʲikɐ krɪm|}}; {{lang-crh|{{lang|crh-Cyrl|Къырым Джумхуриети}}, {{lang|crh-Latn|Qırım Cumhuriyeti}}}}}} is a [[Republics of Russia|republic of Russia]], comprising most of the [[Crimea|Crimean Peninsula]], but excluding [[Sevastopol]].<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Heaney |editor-first=Dominic |title=The Territories of the Russian Federation 2023 |date=2023 |edition=24th |publisher=Routledge |page=43 |doi=10.4324/b23329 |isbn=9781003384038 |s2cid=267600423 |quote=In March 2014 Russia annexed two territories internationally recognized as constituting parts of Ukraine—the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol City—bringing the de facto membership of the Federation to 85 territories.}}</ref> Its territory corresponds to the pre-2023<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-23 |title=Про внесення змін до деяких законодавчих актів України щодо вирішення окремих питань адміністративно-територіального устрою Автономної Республіки Крим |url=https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/3334-20 |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Офіційний вебпортал парламенту України |language=uk}}</ref> territory of the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]], a [[de jure]] [[Administrative divisions of Ukraine|subdivision]] of [[Ukraine]]. Russia [[Russian occupation of Crimea|occupied]] and [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|annexed]] the peninsula in 2014, although the annexation remains [[Political status of Crimea|internationally unrecognized]].<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Heaney |editor-first=Dominic |title=The Territories of the Russian Federation 2023 |date=2023 |edition=24th |publisher=Routledge |page=130 |doi=10.4324/b23329 |isbn=9781003384038 |s2cid=267600423 |quote=The territories of the Crimean peninsula, comprising Sevastopol City and the Republic of Crimea, remained internationally recognized as constituting part of Ukraine, following their annexation by Russia in March 2014.}}</ref>
The [[Crimea|Crimean Peninsula]] is internationally recognized as part of [[Ukraine]]. Russia annexed the peninsula in 2014, and established two federal subjects there, the Republic of Crimea and the [[Federal cities of Russia|federal city]] of [[Sevastopol]], a move which was internationally unrecognized.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qQWQDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT134|title=The territories of the Russian Federation 2019.|date=2019|publisher=|isbn=978-0-429-05792-2|edition=20th|location=London|pages=|oclc=1091626001|quote=The territories of the Crimean peninsula, comprising Sevastopol City and the Republic of Crimea, remained internationally recognized as constituting part of Ukraine, following their annexation by Russia in March 2014.|last1=Publications|first1=Europa}}</ref>


Its capital city is [[Simferopol]], which is also the second-largest city of the peninsula, behind Sevastopol. As of the [[Russian Census (2021)|2021 Russian census]], the republic had a population of 1,934,630.<ref name="2021 census" />
The capital and largest city located within its borders is [[Simferopol]], which is the second-largest city on the Crimean Peninsula. As of the [[Russian Census (2021)|2021 Russian census]], the Republic of Crimea had a population of 1,934,630.<ref name="2021 census" />


==History==
==History==

===Background===
[[File:Krym SS.jpg|thumb|left|Prime Minister of the Crimean Regional Government [[Solomon Krym]], 1919]]
{{further|Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Empire|History of Crimea|Crimean Oblast|Crimean Goths}}
[[File:The transfer of Crimea.jpg|thumb|left|Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet "About the transfer of the Crimean Oblast", 1954]]The origins of the Russian historical claim to Crimea, which would culminate in the 2014 annexation of the territory, date to the 18th century, when the [[Russian Empire]], under the Empress [[Catherine the Great]], [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Empire|annexed the peninsula]] for the first time, in April 1783.<ref>{{Cite book|last=O'Neill|first=Kelly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bq88DwAAQBAJ|title=Claiming Crimea: A History of Catherine the Great's Southern Empire|date=2017|publisher=|isbn=978-0-300-23150-2|location=New Haven|pages=x|oclc=1007823334|quote=The moment in which this long trajectory truly took shape came not in the spring of 2014 but one morning late in the autumn of 1782, as Empress Catherine II sat in her study in the Winter Palace drinking coffee. In her hand was a carefully crafted letter from Prince Grigorii Potemkin, president of the War College, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and grand admiral of the Black Sea and Caspian fleets. For some months Potemkin had been urging his sovereign to declare an end to the in dependence of the Crimean Khanate (an interlude that began in 1774).}}</ref> While ostensibly recognised by the [[Ottoman Empire]] in December that year, the annexation sowed tensions which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of [[Russo-Turkish War (1787–92)|Russo-Turkish war]] of 1787–1792, in which the Ottoman Empire attempted to reverse it, but to no avail: the 1792 [[Treaty of Jassy]], which formally ended the war, reaffirmed the 1783 annexation again. From 1802, Crimea constituted a southern part of the [[Taurida Governorate]] of the Russian Empire until the [[Russian Revolution|collapse thereof]] in 1917. During the [[Russian Civil War]] (1917–1921) Crimea changed hands multiple times, being ''inter alia'' the last territory held by the [[White movement|White]] [[Government of South Russia|Russian government]] in the European part of Russia in 1920, and finally became an [[Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic|autonomous republic]] within [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic]] (RSFSR) in 1921.

During [[World War II]], in 1944, the central Soviet authorities [[Deportation of the Crimean Tatars|deported]] the [[Crimean Tatars]] for alleged collaboration with the Nazi occupation regime; in 1945, the region was stripped of its autonomy status.
[[File:Jalta-confer.jpg|thumb|The "[[Allies of World War II|Big Three]]" at the [[Yalta Conference]] in Crimea: [[Winston Churchill]], [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], and [[Joseph Stalin]].]]

In 1954, the [[Presidium of the Supreme Soviet|Presidium]] of the [[USSR]] [[Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union|Supreme Soviet]] [[1954 transfer of Crimea|transferred]] the region from the [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic]] to the [[Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic]], another [[Republics of the Soviet Union|constituent republic]] of the USSR, then a highly centralised state, wherein borders between constituent republics was a technical issue of administration, despite the fact that Ukraine was a separate member of the UN. The Crimean Tatars were allowed to return to Crimea in the mid-1980s under [[perestroika]].<ref>"The Crimean Tatars began repatriating on a massive scale beginning in the late 1980s and continuing into the early 1990s. The population of Crimean Tatars in Crimea rapidly reached 250,000 and leveled off at 270,000 where it remains as of this writing [2001]. There are believed to be between 30,000 and 100,000 remaining in places of former exile in Central Asia."
Greta Lynn Uehling, ''The Crimean Tatars'' (Encyclopedia of the Minorities, Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn) [http://www.iccrimea.org/scholarly/krimtatars.html iccrimea.org]</ref>

With the [[History of the Soviet Union (1985–1991)|collapse of the Soviet Union]], Crimea became part of the newly independent Ukraine, which led to tensions between [[Russia]] and Ukraine.{{efn|In a summer 2013 poll by [[VTSIOM]] where respondents in Russia were asked what they consider Russian territory 56% said that Crimea was part of Russia.<ref>{{in lang|uk}} [http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2013/09/10/6997678/ Майже 60% росіян вважають, що Крим – це Росія ''Almost 60% of Russians believe, that Crimea – is Russian''], [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (10 September 2013)</ref>}} With the [[Black Sea Fleet]] based on the peninsula, worries of armed skirmishes were occasionally raised. Crimean Tatars began returning from exile and resettling in Crimea. Ukraine restored Crimea's [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea|autonomous status]] in 1991. Crimea's autonomous status was re-affirmed in 1996 with the ratification of Ukraine's [[Constitution of Ukraine|current constitution]], which designated Crimea as the "Autonomous Republic of Crimea", but also an "inseparable constituent part of Ukraine".<ref name="Wikisource">
{{cite web
|title=Constitution of Ukraine, 1996
|url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Ukraine,_1996
|access-date=12 March 2014
}}
</ref>

===1990s Sovereignty Dispute===
{{main|Republic of Crimea (1992-1995)}}

In January 1991 the [[1991 Crimean sovereignty referendum|Crimean sovereignty referendum]] re-established the Crimean ASSR.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/157181104322784826|title=The Crimea Conundrum: The Tug of War Between Russia and Ukraine on the Questions of Autonomy and Self-Determination|journal=International Journal on Minority and Group Rights|volume=10|issue=2|pages=111–130|last=Wydra|first=Doris|date=11 November 2004|doi=10.1163/157181104322784826}}</ref> On 26 February 1992, the [[Verkhovna Rada of Crimea|Crimean parliament]] renamed the Crimean [[Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic]] ''the Republic of Crimea'' and subsequently declared conditional independence on 5 May 1992.<ref name="backind">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/06/world/crimea-parliament-votes-to-back-independence-from-ukraine.html|work=The New York Times|title=Crimea Parliament Votes to Back Independence From Ukraine|first=Serge|last=Schmemann|date=6 May 1992|access-date=27 March 2015}}</ref> That independence was never confirmed by referendum amid opposition from the government of Ukraine and on 21 September 1994 the [[Ukrainian Parliament]] renamed the Republic of Crimea as the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]].<ref>[http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/171/94-%D0%B2%D1%80?test=4/UMfPEGznhhiqH.Zi7Q.x50HI4jEs80msh8Ie6 Law of the Ukraine N 254/96-ВР]</ref> On 17 March 1995, the [[Verkhovna Rada|Ukrainian parliament]] abolished the Crimean Constitution of 1992 and all the laws and decrees contradicting those enacted by Kyiv, ending Crimea's brief existence as a post-Soviet republic.<ref name="iccrimea.org">{{cite web|last=Belitser|first=Natalya|url=http://www.iccrimea.org/scholarly/nbelitser.html|title=The Constitutional Process in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in the Context of Interethnic Relations and Conflict Settlement|publisher=International Committee for Crimea|date=20 February 2000|access-date=22 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Ukrainian law|type=[[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada law]]|number=93/95-вр|law=92%2F95%2D%E2%F0|name=On the termination of the Constitution and some laws of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea|date=17 March 1995}}</ref><ref name="461879_krim_YM">{{cite news |title="Crimea should be Ukrainian, but without bloodshed." How Ukraine saved the peninsula 25 years ago|url=https://lb.ua/news/2020/07/16/461879_krim_maie_buti_ukrainskim_ale_bez.html |work=[[LB.ua]] |date=16 July 2020|language=uk}}</ref>

===Autonomous Republic within Ukraine===

{{main|Autonomous Republic of Crimea}}

Following the ratification of the May 1997 [[Russian–Ukrainian Friendship Treaty]], the 1998 [[Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] designated the region as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. In 2006, [[2006 anti-NATO protests in Feodosia|anti-NATO protests]] broke out on the peninsula.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/jun/08/russia.nickpatonwalsh Russia tells Ukraine to stay out of Nato], [[The Guardian]] (8 June 2006)</ref> In September 2008, the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ukraine)|Ukrainian Foreign Minister]] [[Volodymyr Ohryzko]] accused Russia of giving out [[Russian passport]]s to the population in Crimea.<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j57jsvObBZruGm0n7HhUA7rCG7nA Cheney urges divided Ukraine to unite against Russia 'threat] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521100144/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j57jsvObBZruGm0n7HhUA7rCG7nA |date=21 May 2011}}. [[Associated Press]]. 6 September 2008.</ref> On 24 August 2009, anti-Ukrainian demonstrations were held in Crimea by ethnic Russian residents. [[Sergei Tsekov]] (of the [[Russian Bloc (party)|Russian Bloc]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Kuzio|first=Taras|author-link=Taras Kuzio|title=Ukraine: Kiev fails to end Crimea's ethnic tentions|url=http://www.taraskuzio.net/media13_files/26.pdf|website=Oxford Analytica|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724092903/http://www.taraskuzio.net/media13_files/26.pdf|archive-date=24 July 2011|date=8 February 2007}}</ref> and then deputy speaker of the [[State Council of Crimea|Crimean parliament]])<ref>{{cite web|last=Kuzio|first=Taras|url=http://www.taraskuzio.net/media24_files/15.pdf|title=Separatists and Russian nationalist-extremist allies of the Party of Regions call for union with Russia|website=KyivPost|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516204846/http://www.taraskuzio.net/media24_files/15.pdf|archive-date=16 May 2014}}</ref> said then that he hoped that Russia would treat Crimea the same way as it had treated [[South Ossetia]] and [[Abkhazia]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Clifford J.|last=Levy|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/world/europe/28crimea.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss|title=Russia and Ukraine in Intensifying Standoff|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=28 August 2009|access-date=28 February 2014}}</ref> The [[2010 Ukrainian–Russian Naval Base for Natural Gas treaty]] extended Russia's lease on naval facilities in Crimea until 2042, with optional five-year renewals.<ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/65128 Update: Ukraine, Russia ratify Black Sea naval lease], ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (27 April 2010)</ref>


===2014 annexation===
===2014 annexation===
{{main|Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation}}
{{main|Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation}}
In February 2014, following the [[2014 Ukrainian revolution]] that ousted the [[President of Ukraine|Ukrainian President]], [[Viktor Yanukovych]], the Russian leadership decided to "start working on returning Crimea to Russia"<ref>{{cite news|date=9 March 2015|title=Vladimir Putin describes secret meeting when Russia decided to seize Crimea|newspaper=The Guardian|agency=Agence France-Presse|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/09/vladimir-putin-describes-secret-meeting-when-russia-decided-to-seize-crimea|access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> (i.e. envisaged the annexation of peninsula), and after a [[Russian military intervention in Ukraine (2014–present)|takeover of Crimea]] by [[Little green men (Russo-Ukrainian War)|Russian armed forces without insignias]] and pro-Russian separatists, the territory within weeks came under Russian effective control.
In February 2014, following the [[2014 Ukrainian revolution]] that ousted the [[President of Ukraine|Ukrainian President]], [[Viktor Yanukovych]], the Russian leadership decided to "start working on returning Crimea to Russia"<ref>{{cite news|date=9 March 2015|title=Vladimir Putin describes secret meeting when Russia decided to seize Crimea|newspaper=The Guardian|agency=Agence France-Presse|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/09/vladimir-putin-describes-secret-meeting-when-russia-decided-to-seize-crimea|access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> (i.e. envisaged the annexation of the peninsula), and after a [[Russian military intervention in Ukraine (2014–present)|takeover of Crimea]] by [[Little green men (Russo-Ukrainian War)|Russian armed forces without insignias]] and pro-Russian separatists, the territory within weeks came under Russian effective control.


To facilitate the annexation politically,<ref name=":2">{{cite book|last=Kofman|first=Michael|url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR1400/RR1498/RAND_RR1498.pdf|title=Lessons from Russia's Operations in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.|publisher=RAND Corporation|year=2017|isbn=9780833096173|location=Santa Monica|pages=|oclc=990544142|quote=The March 16 referendum would become the political instrument to annex the peninsula, a process that concluded on March 18}}</ref> the [[Supreme Council of Crimea|Crimean parliament]] and the [[Sevastopol City Council]] announced on 6 March, in violation of the [[Constitution of Ukraine|Ukrainian Constitution]],<ref>{{cite journal|last=Marxen|first=Christian|date=2014|title=The Crimea Crisis – An International Law Perspective|url=http://www.zaoerv.de/74_2014/74_2014_2_a_367_392.pdf|journal=Zeitschrift für ausländisches öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht (Heidelberg Journal of International Law)|volume=74|quote=Organizing and holding the referendum on Crimea's accession to Russia was illegal under the Ukrainian constitution. Article 2 of the constitution establishes that "Ukraine shall be a unitary state" and that the "territory of Ukraine within its present border is indivisible and inviolable". This is confirmed in regard to Crimea by Chapter X of the constitution, which provides for the autonomous status of Crimea. Article 134 sets forth that Crimea is an "inseparable constituent part of Ukraine". The autonomous status provides Crimea with a certain set of authorities and allows, inter alia, to hold referendums. These rights are, however, limited to local matters. The constitution makes clear that alterations to the territory of Ukraine require an all-Ukrainian referendum.}}</ref> a [[2014 Crimean status referendum|referendum]] on the issue of joining Russia, to be held on 16 March. The upcoming vote allowed citizens to vote on whether Crimea should apply to join Russia as a [[federal subjects of Russia|federal subject of the Russian Federation]], or restore the [[Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea|1992 Crimean constitution]] and Crimea's status as a part of Ukraine. The available choices did not include keeping the [[status quo]] of Crimea and Sevastopol as they were at the time the referendum was held.<ref>{{cite web|title=При воссоединении с Россией крымчане дискомфорта не почувствуют! – Krym Info|url=http://www.kryminfo.net/pri-vossoedinenii-s-osiyey-krymchane-diskomforta-ne-pochustvuyut/|access-date=25 September 2014|work=Krym Info}}</ref>
To facilitate the annexation politically,<ref name=":2">{{cite book|last=Kofman|first=Michael|url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR1400/RR1498/RAND_RR1498.pdf|title=Lessons from Russia's Operations in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.|publisher=RAND Corporation|year=2017|isbn=9780833096173|location=Santa Monica|pages=|oclc=990544142|quote=The March 16 referendum would become the political instrument to annex the peninsula, a process that concluded on March 18}}</ref> on 6 March the [[Supreme Council of Crimea|Crimean parliament]] and the [[Sevastopol City Council]] announced a [[2014 Crimean status referendum|referendum]] on the issue of joining Russia. This referendum, the holding of which was a violation of the [[Constitution of Ukraine|Ukrainian Constitution]],<ref>{{cite journal|last=Marxen|first=Christian|date=2014|title=The Crimea Crisis – An International Law Perspective|url=http://www.zaoerv.de/74_2014/74_2014_2_a_367_392.pdf|journal=Zeitschrift für ausländisches öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht (Heidelberg Journal of International Law)|volume=74|quote=Organizing and holding the referendum on Crimea's accession to Russia was illegal under the Ukrainian constitution. Article 2 of the constitution establishes that "Ukraine shall be a unitary state" and that the "territory of Ukraine within its present border is indivisible and inviolable". This is confirmed in regard to Crimea by Chapter X of the constitution, which provides for the autonomous status of Crimea. Article 134 sets forth that Crimea is an "inseparable constituent part of Ukraine". The autonomous status provides Crimea with a certain set of authorities and allows, inter alia, to hold referendums. These rights are, however, limited to local matters. The constitution makes clear that alterations to the territory of Ukraine require an all-Ukrainian referendum.}}</ref> was to be held on 16 March. The upcoming vote allowed citizens to vote on whether Crimea should apply to join Russia as a [[federal subjects of Russia|federal subject of the Russian Federation]], or restore the [[Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea|1992 Crimean constitution]] and Crimea's status as a part of Ukraine. The available choices did not include keeping the [[status quo]] of Crimea and Sevastopol as they were at the time the referendum was held.<ref>{{cite web|title=При воссоединении с Россией крымчане дискомфорта не почувствуют! – Krym Info|url=http://www.kryminfo.net/pri-vossoedinenii-s-osiyey-krymchane-diskomforta-ne-pochustvuyut/|access-date=25 September 2014|work=Krym Info|date=8 March 2014 }}</ref>


On 11 March 2014, the [[Supreme Council of Crimea|Crimean parliament]] and the [[Sevastopol]] City Council jointly [[Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Crimea|issued a letter of intent]] to [[Unilateral declaration of independence|unilaterally declare independence]] from Ukraine in the event of a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming referendum, citing the "[[Kosovo independence precedent|Kosovo precedent]]" in the lead part.<ref name="KrimRada">{{cite web|date=11 March 2014|title=Парламент Крыма принял Декларацию о независимости АРК и г. Севастополя|url=http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/11_03_2014_1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311121541/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/11_03_2014_1|archive-date=11 March 2014|access-date=18 March 2014|publisher=Государственный Совет Республики Крым}}</ref> The envisaged process was so designed to allow Russia to claim that "it did not annex Crimea from Ukraine, rather the Republic of Crimea exercised its sovereign powers in seeking a merge with Russia".<ref>{{Cite journal |author = Borgen, Christopher J. |url= http://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/ils/vol91/iss1/7/ |title= Law, Rhetoric, Strategy: Russia and Self-Determination Before and After Crimea |journal= International Law Studies|type= |orig-year= | agency = |edition= International Law Studies |year= 2015 |at= |volume= 91 |issue= 1 |pages = |page= |series= |issn = 2375-2831 |doi = |bibcode = |arxiv = |pmid = |ref= Borgen |language= en |quote= The recognition of Crimea by Russia was the legal fig leaf which allowed Russia to say that it did not annex Crimea from Ukraine, rather the Republic of Crimea exercised its sovereign powers in seeking a merge with Russia }}</ref>
On 11 March 2014, the [[Supreme Council of Crimea|Crimean parliament]] and the [[Sevastopol]] City Council jointly [[Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Crimea|issued a letter of intent]] to [[Unilateral declaration of independence|unilaterally declare independence]] from Ukraine in the event of a "Yes" vote in the upcoming referendum, citing the "[[Kosovo independence precedent|Kosovo precedent]]" in the lead part.<ref name="KrimRada">{{cite web|date=11 March 2014|title=Парламент Крыма принял Декларацию о независимости АРК и г. Севастополя|url=http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/11_03_2014_1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311121541/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/11_03_2014_1|archive-date=11 March 2014|access-date=18 March 2014|publisher=Государственный Совет Республики Крым}}</ref> The envisaged process was so designed to allow Russia to claim that "it did not annex Crimea from Ukraine, rather the Republic of Crimea exercised its sovereign powers in seeking a merge with Russia".<ref>{{Cite journal |author = Borgen, Christopher J. |url= http://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/ils/vol91/iss1/7/ |title= Law, Rhetoric, Strategy: Russia and Self-Determination Before and After Crimea |journal= International Law Studies|type= |orig-year= | agency = |edition= International Law Studies |year= 2015 |at= |volume= 91 |issue= 1 |pages = |page= |series= |issn = 2375-2831 |doi = |bibcode = |arxiv = |pmid = |ref= Borgen |language= en |quote= The recognition of Crimea by Russia was the legal fig leaf which allowed Russia to say that it did not annex Crimea from Ukraine, rather the Republic of Crimea exercised its sovereign powers in seeking a merge with Russia }}</ref>


On 16 March 2014, according to the organizers of [[2014 Crimean status referendum|Crimean status referendum]], a large majority (reported as 96.77% of the 81.36% of the population of Crimea who voted) voted in favour of independence of Crimea from Ukraine and joining Russia as a federal subject.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26606097|title=Crimea referendum: Voters 'back Russia union'|work=BBC News|date=16 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140316 | work=Reuters | title=Crimeans vote over 90 percent to quit Ukraine for Russia | date=16 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=16 March 2014|title=Crimea 'votes to rejoin Russia' after controversial poll|url=http://www.itv.com/news/2014-03-16/crimea-votes-to-rejoin-russia-after-controversial-poll/|access-date=26 November 2017|work=ITV}}</ref><ref name="guardian20140317">{{cite news|date=17 March 2014|title=Crimea applies to be part of Russian Federation after vote to leave Ukraine|work=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/ukraine-crimea-russia-referendum-complain-result}}</ref> The referendum was not recognized by [[Political status of Crimea and Sevastopol#Stances|most of the international community]] and the reported results were disputed by numerous independent observers.<ref>{{cite web |title=OSCE says Crimea referendum illegal |url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/534d2e87101.html |website=Refworld |access-date=18 February 2020 |date=11 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pifer |first1=Steven |author-link1=Steven Pifer |title=Five years after Crimea's illegal annexation, the issue is no closer to resolution |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2019/03/18/five-years-after-crimeas-illegal-annexation-the-issue-is-no-closer-to-resolution/ |website=[[Brookings Institution]] |access-date=18 February 2020 |date=18 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rayman |first1=Noah |title=UN General Assembly: Crimea Referendum Was Illegal |url=https://time.com/40497/un-crimea-russia-ukraine-general-assembly/ |access-date=18 February 2020 |date=27 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine crisis: 'Illegal' Crimean referendum condemned |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26475508 |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=18 February 2020 |date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bellinger III |first1=John B. |title=Why the Crimean Referendum Is Illegitimate |url=https://www.cfr.org/interview/why-crimean-referendum-illegitimate |website=[[Council on Foreign Relations]] |access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref> The BBC reported that most of the [[Crimean Tatars]] that they interviewed were boycotting the vote.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> Reports from the UN criticised the circumstances surrounding the referendum, especially the presence of [[paramilitary|paramilitaries]], [[militia|self-defence groups]] and [[Little green men (Russo-Ukrainian War)|unidentifiable soldiers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://euronews.com/2014/04/15/un-on-human-rights-in-ukraine-stop-lies-propaganda-and-inciting-hatred/|publisher=Euronews|access-date=16 April 2014|date=11 March 2014|title=UN report on Euronews – 15 April 2014|archive-date=16 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416200706/http://euronews.com/2014/04/15/un-on-human-rights-in-ukraine-stop-lies-propaganda-and-inciting-hatred/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The European Union, Canada, Japan and the United States condemned the vote as illegal.<ref name=autogenerated2 /><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-japan-idUST9N0M101J20140317 | work=Reuters | title=Japan does not recognise Crimea vote – govt spokesman | date=17 March 2014}}</ref> [[File:Merge-independence-and-separation-of-crimea.png|thumb|500px|Diagram showing the merge, short-lived independence, and separation of the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] and [[Sevastopol]] that led to the Republic of Crimea becoming a federal subject of Russia.]]After the referendum, Crimean lawmakers formally voted both to secede from Ukraine and applied for their admission into Russia. The Sevastopol City Council, however, requested the port's separate admission as a [[federal cities of Russia|federal city]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/european-union-ukraine.html?hpw&rref=world&_r=0|work=The New York Times|title=Lawmakers in Crimea Move Swiftly to Split From Ukraine|date=17 March 2014|access-date=17 March 2014|first1=David M.|last1=Herszenhorn|first2=Alan|last2=Cowell}}</ref> On the same day Russia formally approved the draft treaty on absorption of the self-proclaimed Republic of Crimea,<ref>{{cite web|title=Putin Approves Draft Treaty On Crimea|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-crimea/25300414.html|access-date=2021-02-17|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Путин одобрил проект договора о принятии в РФ Республики Крым|url=https://tass.ru/politika/1055014|access-date=2021-02-17|website=ТАСС}}</ref> and on 18 March 2014 the political process of annexation was formally concluded,<ref name=":2" /> with the self-proclaimed independent Republic of Crimea signing a treaty of accession to the Russian Federation.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 March 2014|title=Kremlin: Crimea and Sevastopol are now part of Russia, not Ukraine|publisher=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/}}</ref> The accession was granted but separately for each the former regions that composed it: one accession for the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] as the ''Republic of Crimea''—the same name as the short-lived self-proclaimed independent republic—and another accession for Sevastopol as a federal city. A post-annexation transition period, during which Russian authorities were to resolve the issues of integration of the new subjects "in the economic, financial, credit and legal system of the Russian Federation", was set to last until 1 January 2015.<ref name="trea">{{cite web|date=18 March 2014|script-title=ru:Договор между Российской Федерацией и Республикой Крым о принятии в Российскую Федерацию Республики Крым и образовании в составе Российской Федерации новых субъектов|trans-title=Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Crimea on the acceptance of the Republic of Crimea into Russian Federation and education of new subjects of the Russian Federation|url=http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20605|access-date=2 January 2016|publisher=Kremlin.ru|language=ru}} (and a [http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001201403180024 PDF copy] of signed document)</ref>
On 16 March 2014, according to the organizers of [[2014 Crimean status referendum|Crimean status referendum]], a large majority (reported as 96.77% of the 81.36% of the population of Crimea who voted) voted in favour of independence of Crimea from Ukraine and joining Russia as a federal subject.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26606097|title=Crimea referendum: Voters 'back Russia union'|work=BBC News|date=16 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140316 | work=Reuters | title=Crimeans vote over 90 percent to quit Ukraine for Russia | date=16 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=16 March 2014|title=Crimea 'votes to rejoin Russia' after controversial poll|url=http://www.itv.com/news/2014-03-16/crimea-votes-to-rejoin-russia-after-controversial-poll/|access-date=26 November 2017|work=ITV}}</ref><ref name="guardian20140317">{{cite news|date=17 March 2014|title=Crimea applies to be part of Russian Federation after vote to leave Ukraine|work=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/ukraine-crimea-russia-referendum-complain-result}}</ref> The referendum was not recognized by [[Political status of Crimea and Sevastopol#Stances|most of the international community]] and the reported results were disputed by numerous independent observers.<ref>{{cite web |title=OSCE says Crimea referendum illegal |url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/534d2e87101.html |website=Refworld |access-date=18 February 2020 |date=11 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pifer |first1=Steven |author-link1=Steven Pifer |title=Five years after Crimea's illegal annexation, the issue is no closer to resolution |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2019/03/18/five-years-after-crimeas-illegal-annexation-the-issue-is-no-closer-to-resolution/ |website=[[Brookings Institution]] |access-date=18 February 2020 |date=18 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rayman |first1=Noah |title=UN General Assembly: Crimea Referendum Was Illegal |url=https://time.com/40497/un-crimea-russia-ukraine-general-assembly/ |access-date=18 February 2020 |date=27 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine crisis: 'Illegal' Crimean referendum condemned |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26475508 |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=18 February 2020 |date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bellinger III |first1=John B. |title=Why the Crimean Referendum Is Illegitimate |url=https://www.cfr.org/interview/why-crimean-referendum-illegitimate |website=[[Council on Foreign Relations]] |access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref> The BBC reported that most of the [[Crimean Tatars]] that they interviewed were boycotting the vote.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> Reports from the UN criticised the circumstances surrounding the referendum, especially the presence of [[paramilitary|paramilitaries]], [[militia|self-defence groups]] and [[Little green men (Russo-Ukrainian War)|unidentifiable soldiers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://euronews.com/2014/04/15/un-on-human-rights-in-ukraine-stop-lies-propaganda-and-inciting-hatred/|publisher=Euronews|access-date=16 April 2014|date=11 March 2014|title=UN report on Euronews – 15 April 2014|archive-date=16 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416200706/http://euronews.com/2014/04/15/un-on-human-rights-in-ukraine-stop-lies-propaganda-and-inciting-hatred/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The European Union, Canada, Japan and the United States condemned the vote as illegal.<ref name=autogenerated2 /><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-japan-idUST9N0M101J20140317 | work=Reuters | title=Japan does not recognise Crimea vote – govt spokesman | date=17 March 2014}}</ref> [[File:Merge-independence-and-separation-of-crimea.png|thumb|500px|Diagram showing the merge, short-lived independence, and separation of the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] and [[Sevastopol]] that led to the Republic of Crimea becoming a federal subject of Russia.]]After the referendum, Crimean lawmakers formally voted both to secede from Ukraine and applied for their admission into Russia. The Sevastopol City Council, however, requested the port's separate admission as a [[federal cities of Russia|federal city]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/european-union-ukraine.html?hpw&rref=world&_r=0|work=The New York Times|title=Lawmakers in Crimea Move Swiftly to Split From Ukraine|date=17 March 2014|access-date=17 March 2014|first1=David M.|last1=Herszenhorn|first2=Alan|last2=Cowell}}</ref> On the same day Russia formally approved the draft treaty on absorption of the self-proclaimed Republic of Crimea,<ref>{{cite news|title=Putin Approves Draft Treaty On Crimea|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-crimea/25300414.html|access-date=2021-02-17|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Путин одобрил проект договора о принятии в РФ Республики Крым|url=https://tass.ru/politika/1055014|access-date=2021-02-17|website=ТАСС}}</ref> and on 18 March 2014 the political process of annexation was formally concluded,<ref name=":2" /> with the self-proclaimed independent Republic of Crimea signing a treaty of accession to the Russian Federation.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 March 2014|title=Kremlin: Crimea and Sevastopol are now part of Russia, not Ukraine|publisher=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/}}</ref> The accession was granted but separately for each the former regions that composed it: one accession for the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] as the ''Republic of Crimea''—the same name as the short-lived self-proclaimed independent republic—and another accession for Sevastopol as a federal city. A post-annexation transition period, during which Russian authorities were to resolve the issues of integration of the new subjects "in the economic, financial, credit and legal system of the Russian Federation", was set to last until 1 January 2015.<ref name="trea">{{cite web|date=18 March 2014|script-title=ru:Договор между Российской Федерацией и Республикой Крым о принятии в Российскую Федерацию Республики Крым и образовании в составе Российской Федерации новых субъектов|trans-title=Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Crimea on the acceptance of the Republic of Crimea into Russian Federation and education of new subjects of the Russian Federation|url=http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20605|access-date=2 January 2016|publisher=Kremlin.ru|language=ru}} (and a [http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001201403180024 PDF copy] of signed document)</ref>


The change of status of Crimea was only recognised internationally by a few states with most regarding the action as illegal. Ukraine refused to accept the annexation, however the Ukrainian military began to withdraw from Crimea on 19 March,<ref>{{cite news|author=Carol Morello and Kathy Lally|date=19 March 2014|title=Ukraine says it is preparing to leave Crimea|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pro-russian-forces-break-into-ukrainian-naval-base-in-crimea/2014/03/19/2a9c5eaa-af46-11e3-a49e-76adc9210f19_story.html}}</ref> and by 26 March, Russia had acquired complete military control of Crimea, so the annexation was essentially complete.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kofman|first=Michael|url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR1400/RR1498/RAND_RR1498.pdf|title=Lessons from Russia's Operations in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.|publisher=RAND Corporation|year=2017|isbn=9780833096173|location=Santa Monica|oclc=990544142|quote=By March 26, the annexation was essentially complete, and Russia began returning seized military hardware to Ukraine.}}</ref>
The change of status of Crimea was only recognised internationally by a few states with most regarding the action as illegal. Ukraine refused to accept the annexation, however the Ukrainian military began to withdraw from Crimea on 19 March,<ref>{{cite news|author=Carol Morello and Kathy Lally|date=19 March 2014|title=Ukraine says it is preparing to leave Crimea|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pro-russian-forces-break-into-ukrainian-naval-base-in-crimea/2014/03/19/2a9c5eaa-af46-11e3-a49e-76adc9210f19_story.html}}</ref> and by 26 March, Russia had acquired complete military control of Crimea, so the annexation was essentially complete.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kofman|first=Michael|url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR1400/RR1498/RAND_RR1498.pdf|title=Lessons from Russia's Operations in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.|publisher=RAND Corporation|year=2017|isbn=9780833096173|location=Santa Monica|oclc=990544142|quote=By March 26, the annexation was essentially complete, and Russia began returning seized military hardware to Ukraine.}}</ref>


===Post-annexation integration===
===Post-annexation integration===
The post-annexation integration process started within days. On 24 March, the [[Russian ruble]] went into official circulation with parallel circulation of the [[Ukrainian hryvnia]] permitted until 1 January 2016, however, [[taxes]] and [[fees]] were to be paid in rubles only, and the [[wages]] of employees at budget-receiving organisations were to be paid out in rubles as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724972|title=TASS: Russia – Russian ruble goes into official circulation in Crimea as of Monday|work=TASS}}</ref> On 29 March, the clocks in Crimea were moved forward to [[Moscow time]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine crisis: Crimea celebrates switch to Moscow time|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26806583|access-date=29 March 2014|publisher=BBC News|date=29 March 2014}}</ref> Also on 31 March, the [[Russian Foreign Ministry]] declared that foreign citizens visiting Crimea needed to apply for a [[Visa (document)|visa]] to the [[Russian Federation]] at one of Russian diplomatic missions or its consulates.{{cn|date=May 2023}}
[[File:Дмитрий Медведев в гимназии имени К.Д.Ушинского.jpg|thumb|Dmitry Medvedev and [[Head of the Republic of Crimea|Crimean PM]] Aksyonov meeting with students in [[Simferopol]], 31 March 2014]]
The post-annexation integration process started within days. On 24 March, the [[Russian ruble]] went into official circulation with parallel circulation of the [[Ukrainian hryvnia]] permitted until 1 January 2016, however, [[taxes]] and [[fees]] were to be paid in rubles only, and the [[wages]] of employees at budget-receiving organisations were to be paid out in rubles as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724972|title=TASS: Russia – Russian ruble goes into official circulation in Crimea as of Monday|work=TASS}}</ref> On 29 March, the clocks in Crimea were moved forward to [[Moscow time]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine crisis: Crimea celebrates switch to Moscow time|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26806583|access-date=29 March 2014|publisher=BBC News|date=29 March 2014}}</ref>Also on 31 March, the [[Russian Foreign Ministry]] declared that foreign citizens visiting Crimea needed to apply for a [[Visa (document)|visa]] to the [[Russian Federation]] at one of Russian diplomatic missions or its consulates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_03_31/Now-foreigners-need-Russian-visas-to-visit-Crimea-Russian-Foreign-Ministry-4564/|title=Now foreigners need Russian visas to visit Crimea – Russian Foreign Ministry|work=voiceofrussia.com|access-date=31 March 2014|archive-date=2 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402021134/http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_03_31/Now-foreigners-need-Russian-visas-to-visit-Crimea-Russian-Foreign-Ministry-4564/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On 3 April 2014, [[Moscow]] sent a [[diplomatic note]] to [[Ukraine]] on terminating the actions of agreements concerning the deployment of the [[Russian Federation]]'s [[Black Sea Fleet]] on the territory of Ukraine. As part of the agreements, Russia used to pay the [[Ukrainian government]] $530 million annually for the base, and wrote off nearly $100 million of [[Kyiv]]'s debt for the right to use Ukrainian waters. Ukraine also received a discount of $100 on each 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas imported from Russia, which was provided for by cutting export duties on the gas, money that would have gone into the Russian state budget. The [[Kremlin]] explained that because the base was no longer located in Ukraine, the discount was no longer legally justifiable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140403/189015854/Moscow-Sent-Diplomatic-Note-to-Ukraine-on-Terminating-Black-Sea.html|title=Moscow Sent Diplomatic Note to Ukraine on Terminating Black Sea Fleet Agreements|author=Sputnik|date=3 April 2014|work=ria.ru}}</ref> Crimea and the city of [[Sevastopol]] became part of Russia's [[Southern Military District]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Крым и Севастополь вошли в состав Южного военного округа России|url=https://tass.ru/politika/1093327|access-date=2021-02-12|website=ТАСС}}</ref>
On 3 April 2014, [[Moscow]] sent a [[diplomatic note]] to [[Ukraine]] on terminating the actions of agreements concerning the deployment of the [[Russian Federation]]'s [[Black Sea Fleet]] on the territory of Ukraine. As part of the agreements, Russia used to pay the [[Ukrainian government]] $530 million annually for the base, and wrote off nearly $100 million of [[Kyiv]]'s debt for the right to use Ukrainian waters. Ukraine also received a discount of $100 on each 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas imported from Russia, which was provided for by cutting export duties on the gas, money that would have gone into the Russian state budget. The [[Kremlin]] explained that because the base was no longer located in Ukraine, the discount was no longer legally justifiable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140403/189015854/Moscow-Sent-Diplomatic-Note-to-Ukraine-on-Terminating-Black-Sea.html|title=Moscow Sent Diplomatic Note to Ukraine on Terminating Black Sea Fleet Agreements|author=Sputnik|date=3 April 2014|work=ria.ru}}</ref> Crimea and the city of [[Sevastopol]] became part of Russia's [[Southern Military District]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Крым и Севастополь вошли в состав Южного военного округа России|url=https://tass.ru/politika/1093327|access-date=2021-02-12|website=ТАСС}}</ref>


On 11 April 2014, the [[parliament of Crimea]] approved a new [[constitution]], with 88 out of 100 [[lawmakers]] voting in favor of its adoption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140411/189159776/Crimean-Parliament-Approves-New-Constitution.html|title=Crimean Parliament Approves New Constitution|author=Sputnik|date=11 April 2014|work=ria.ru}}</ref> The new constitution confirms the Republic of Crimea as a democratic state within the [[Russian Federation]] and declares both territories united and inseparable. The Crimean parliament would become smaller and have 75 members instead of the current 100.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.pravda.ru/russia/politics/11-04-2014/127331-crimea_constitution-0/|title=Crimea approves new Constitution|work=PravdaReport|date=11 April 2014|last1=Sudakov|first1=Dmitry}}</ref> According to the [[Kommersant]] newspaper, the authorities, including the State Council chair [[Vladimir Konstantinov]], unofficially promised that certain quotas would be reserved for [[Crimean Tatars]] in various government bodies.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} On the same day, a new revision of the [[Constitution of Russia|Russian Constitution]] was officially published, with the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of [[Sevastopol]] included in the list of [[federal subjects of the Russian Federation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140411/189160173/Russia-Amends-Constitution-to-Include-Crimea-Sevastopol.html|title=Russia Amends Constitution to Include Crimea, Sevastopol|author=Sputnik|date=11 April 2014|work=ria.ru}}</ref>
On 11 April 2014, the [[State Council of Crimea|parliament of Crimea]] approved a new [[constitution]], with 88 out of 100 [[lawmakers]] voting in favor of its adoption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140411/189159776/Crimean-Parliament-Approves-New-Constitution.html|title=Crimean Parliament Approves New Constitution|author=Sputnik|date=11 April 2014|work=ria.ru}}</ref> The new constitution confirms the Republic of Crimea as a democratic state within the [[Russian Federation]] and declares both territories united and inseparable. The Crimean parliament would become smaller and have 75 members instead of the current 100.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.pravda.ru/russia/politics/11-04-2014/127331-crimea_constitution-0/|title=Crimea approves new Constitution|work=PravdaReport|date=11 April 2014|last1=Sudakov|first1=Dmitry}}</ref> According to the [[Kommersant]] newspaper, the authorities, including the State Council chair [[Vladimir Konstantinov]], unofficially promised that certain quotas would be reserved for [[Crimean Tatars]] in various government bodies.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} On the same day, a new revision of the [[Constitution of Russia|Russian Constitution]] was officially published, with the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of [[Sevastopol]] included in the list of [[federal subjects of the Russian Federation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140411/189160173/Russia-Amends-Constitution-to-Include-Crimea-Sevastopol.html|title=Russia Amends Constitution to Include Crimea, Sevastopol|author=Sputnik|date=11 April 2014|work=ria.ru}}</ref>
[[File:Simferopol Victory Day Parade (2019) 13.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Simferopol]], Crimea, 9 May 2019, the celebration of the Victory Day]]
[[File:Simferopol Victory Day Parade (2019) 13.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Simferopol]], Crimea, 9 May 2019, the celebration of the Victory Day]]
On 12 April 2014, the [[Constitution of the Republic of Crimea]], adopted at the session of the State Council on 11 April, entered into legal force. The constitution was published by the Krymskiye Izvestiya newspaper, becoming law on the publication date, the State Council of Crimea said. The Constitution consists of 10 chapters and 95 articles; its main regulations are analogous to the articles of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The text proclaims the Republic of Crimea is a democratic, legal state within the Russian Federation and an equal subject of the Russian Federation. The source of power in the Crimean Republic is its people, which constitutes to the multinational nation of the Russian Federation. It is noted that the supreme direct manifestation of the power of the people is referendum and free elections; seizure of power and appropriation of power authorization are unacceptable.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
On 12 April 2014, the [[Constitution of the Republic of Crimea]], adopted at the session of the State Council on 11 April, entered into legal force. The constitution was published by the Krymskiye Izvestiya newspaper, becoming law on the publication date, the State Council of Crimea said. The Constitution consists of 10 chapters and 95 articles; its main regulations are analogous to the articles of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The text proclaims the Republic of Crimea is a democratic, legal state within the Russian Federation and an equal subject of the Russian Federation. The source of power in the Crimean Republic is its people, which constitutes to the multinational nation of the Russian Federation. It is noted that the supreme direct manifestation of the power of the people is referendum and free elections; seizure of power and appropriation of power authorization are unacceptable.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
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{{See also|Ministry of Crimean Affairs}}
{{See also|Ministry of Crimean Affairs}}


On 31 March 2014, the Russian [[Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation|Prime Minister]] [[Dmitry Medvedev]] announced a series of programmes aimed at swiftly incorporating the territory into Russia's [[economy]] and [[infrastructure]]. The creation of a new [[Ministry of Crimean Affairs]] was announced too.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/medvedev-visits-crimea-vows-development-aid-2014-03-31|title=Medvedev visits Crimea, vows development aid|author=Lukas I. Alpert, Alexander Kolyandr|work=[[Market Watch]]}}</ref> After 2014 the Russian government invested heavily in the peninsula's infrastructure—repairing roads, modernizing hospitals and building the [[Crimean Bridge]] that links the peninsula to the Russian mainland.
On 31 March 2014, the Russian [[Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation|Prime Minister]] [[Dmitry Medvedev]] announced a series of programmes aimed at swiftly incorporating the territory into Russia's [[economy]] and [[infrastructure]]. The creation of a new [[Ministry of Crimean Affairs]] was announced too.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/medvedev-visits-crimea-vows-development-aid-2014-03-31|title=Medvedev visits Crimea, vows development aid|author=Lukas I. Alpert, Alexander Kolyandr|work=[[Market Watch]]}}</ref> After 2014 the Russian government invested heavily in the peninsula's infrastructure—repairing roads, modernizing hospitals and building the [[Crimean Bridge]] that links the peninsula to the Russian mainland.


In 2017 the Russian government also began modernising the [[Simferopol International Airport]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-03-31/crimea-pays-a-high-price-three-years-after-russian-takeover|title=The High Price of Putin's Takeover of Crimea|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=31 March 2017|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> which opened its new terminal in April 2018.<ref name=":0" />
In 2017 the Russian government also began modernising the [[Simferopol International Airport]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-03-31/crimea-pays-a-high-price-three-years-after-russian-takeover|title=The High Price of Putin's Takeover of Crimea|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=31 March 2017|access-date=19 April 2018}}</ref> which opened its new terminal in April 2018.<ref name=":0" />
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Russia provides electricity to Crimea via a cable beneath the Kerch Strait. In June 2018 there was a full electrical outage for all of Crimea, but the power grid company Rosseti reported to have fixed the outage in approximately one hour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-crimea-blackout/crimea-suffers-total-power-blackout-after-power-station-shuts-down-idUSKBN1J91V3|title=Russia restores Crimea power supply after blackout|date=13 June 2018|access-date=12 March 2019|work=Reuters }}</ref>
Russia provides electricity to Crimea via a cable beneath the Kerch Strait. In June 2018 there was a full electrical outage for all of Crimea, but the power grid company Rosseti reported to have fixed the outage in approximately one hour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-crimea-blackout/crimea-suffers-total-power-blackout-after-power-station-shuts-down-idUSKBN1J91V3|title=Russia restores Crimea power supply after blackout|date=13 June 2018|access-date=12 March 2019|work=Reuters }}</ref>


On 28 December 2018, Russia completed a high-tech security fence marking the de facto border between Crimea and Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46699807| title=Ukraine conflict: Russia completes Crimea security fence|publisher=BBC|date=28 December 2018|access-date=1 January 2019}}</ref>
On 28 December 2018, Russia completed a high-tech security fence marking the border between Crimea and Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46699807| title=Ukraine conflict: Russia completes Crimea security fence|publisher=BBC|date=28 December 2018|access-date=1 January 2019}}</ref>


===Ukrainian reaction===
===Ukrainian reaction===


Once Ukraine lost control of the territory in 2014, it shut off the water supply of the [[North Crimean Canal]] which supplies 85% of the peninsula's freshwater needs from the [[Dnieper river]], the nation's main waterway.<ref>{{cite web | title=Crimeans have tap water only six hours a day as all Russian attempts to hydrate occupied peninsula failEuromaidan Press | website=News and views from Ukraine | date=17 December 2020 | url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2020/12/17/water-severely-rationed-in-crimean-cities-after-all-attempts-to-solve-crisis-fail/ | access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> Development of new sources of water was undertaken, with huge difficulties, to replace closed Ukrainian sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/new-maps-appear-to-show-crimea-is-drying-up/29361889.html|title=New maps appear to show Crimea is drying up|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}</ref> In [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022]], Russia [[Southern Ukraine offensive|conquered]] portions of Kherson Oblast, which allowed it to unblock the North Crimean canal by force, resuming water supply into Crimea.<ref>[https://www.rfi.fr/en/in-southern-ukraine-russian-forces-guard-strategic-dam In southern Ukraine, Russian forces guard strategic dam]</ref>
Once Ukraine lost control of the territory in 2014, it shut off the water supply of the [[North Crimean Canal]] which supplies 85% of the peninsula's freshwater needs from the [[Dnieper river]], the nation's main waterway.<ref>{{cite web | title=Crimeans have tap water only six hours a day as all Russian attempts to hydrate occupied peninsula failEuromaidan Press | website=News and views from Ukraine | date=17 December 2020 | url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2020/12/17/water-severely-rationed-in-crimean-cities-after-all-attempts-to-solve-crisis-fail/ | access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> Development of new sources of water was undertaken, with huge difficulties, to replace closed Ukrainian sources.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/new-maps-appear-to-show-crimea-is-drying-up/29361889.html|title=New maps appear to show Crimea is drying up|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=13 July 2018 }}</ref> In [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022]], Russia [[Southern Ukraine offensive|conquered]] portions of Kherson Oblast, which allowed it to unblock the North Crimean canal by force, resuming water supply into Crimea.<ref>[https://www.rfi.fr/en/in-southern-ukraine-russian-forces-guard-strategic-dam In southern Ukraine, Russian forces guard strategic dam]</ref>


On 15 April 2014, the [[Ukrainian parliament|Ukrainian Parliament]] [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation#Ukrainian response|declared]] Crimea and the city of Sevastopol "occupied territories".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20140415/189236902/Ukraines-Parliament-Declares-Crimea-Sevastopol-Occupied.html|title=Ukraine's Parliament Declares Crimea, Sevastopol 'Occupied Territory'|author=Sputnik|date=15 April 2014|work=ria.ru}}</ref>
On 15 April 2014, the [[Ukrainian parliament|Ukrainian Parliament]] [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation#Ukrainian response|declared]] Crimea and the city of Sevastopol "occupied territories".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20140415/189236902/Ukraines-Parliament-Declares-Crimea-Sevastopol-Occupied.html|title=Ukraine's Parliament Declares Crimea, Sevastopol 'Occupied Territory'|author=Sputnik|date=15 April 2014|work=ria.ru}}</ref>
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The executive power is represented by the [[Council of Ministers of Crimea|Council of Ministers]], headed either by the [[Prime Minister of Crimea]] or by the [[Head of the Republic of Crimea]]. The authority and operation of the State Council and the [[Council of Ministers of Crimea|Council of Ministers]] of Crimea are determined by the [[Constitution of the Republic of Crimea]] and other Crimean laws, as well as by regular decisions carried out by the Council.<ref name="CMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361|title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea – Information card|work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]]|access-date=22 February 2007}}</ref>
The executive power is represented by the [[Council of Ministers of Crimea|Council of Ministers]], headed either by the [[Prime Minister of Crimea]] or by the [[Head of the Republic of Crimea]]. The authority and operation of the State Council and the [[Council of Ministers of Crimea|Council of Ministers]] of Crimea are determined by the [[Constitution of the Republic of Crimea]] and other Crimean laws, as well as by regular decisions carried out by the Council.<ref name="CMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361|title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea – Information card|work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]]|access-date=22 February 2007}}</ref>


Crimeans who refused to take [[Russian citizenship]] are barred from holding government positions or municipal jobs.<ref name=AlJaC341214>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/12/ukraine-human-rights-201412210270208204.html Ukraine human rights 'deteriorating rapidly'], ''[[Al Jazeera]]'' (3 December 2014)<br />[http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/12/disappearing-crimea-anti-russia-activists-201412110405525656.html Disappearing Crimea's anti-Russia activists ], ''[[Al Jazeera]]''</ref>
Crimeans who refused to take [[Russian citizenship]] are barred from holding government positions or municipal jobs.<ref name=AlJaC341214>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/12/ukraine-human-rights-201412210270208204.html Ukraine human rights 'deteriorating rapidly'], ''[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]'' (3 December 2014)<br />[http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/12/disappearing-crimea-anti-russia-activists-201412110405525656.html Disappearing Crimea's anti-Russia activists ], ''[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]''</ref>


By July 2015, 20,000 Crimeans had renounced their Ukrainian citizenship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/07/09/new-siege-of-crimea/id6d|title=The New Siege of Crimea|author=Thomas de Waal|publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]}}</ref> From the time of Russia's annexation until October 2016, more than 8,800 Crimean residents received [[Ukrainian passport]]s.<ref>{{in lang|uk}} [http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7123796/ Nearly 9 thousand Crimean residents received Ukrainian passports after annexation], [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (16 October 2016)</ref>
By July 2015, 20,000 Crimeans had renounced their Ukrainian citizenship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/07/09/new-siege-of-crimea/id6d|title=The New Siege of Crimea|author=Thomas de Waal|publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]}}</ref> From the time of Russia's annexation until October 2016, more than 8,800 Crimean residents received [[Ukrainian passport]]s.<ref>{{in lang|uk}} [http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7123796/ Nearly 9 thousand Crimean residents received Ukrainian passports after annexation], [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (16 October 2016)</ref>


On 18 September 2016, the whole of Crimea participated in the [[2016 Russian legislative election|Russian legislative election]].
On 18 September 2016, the whole of Crimea participated in the [[2016 Russian legislative election|Russian legislative election]].

{{-}}


=== Military ===
=== Military ===
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===Administrative divisions===
===Administrative divisions===
{{main|Administrative divisions of Crimea}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2023}}{{main|Administrative divisions of Crimea}}
The Republic of Crimea continues to use the administrative divisions previously used by the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] and is thus subdivided into 25 regions: 14 districts (''[[raion]]s'') and 11 city municipalities (''gorodskoj sovet'' or ''gorsovet''), officially known as ''territories governed by city councils''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gska2.rada.gov.ua:7777/pls/z7502/A005?rdat1=24.02.2007&rf7571=2 |title=Infobox card&nbsp;– Avtonomna Respublika Krym |access-date=23 February 2007 |work=[[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine]] |language=uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001015441/http://gska2.rada.gov.ua:7777/pls/z7502/A005?rdat1=24.02.2007&rf7571=2 |archive-date=1 October 2007}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=March 2014}}
The Republic of Crimea continues to use the administrative divisions previously used by the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] and is thus subdivided into 25 regions: 14 districts (''[[raion]]s'') and 11 city municipalities (''gorodskoj sovet'' or ''gorsovet''), officially known as ''territories governed by city councils''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gska2.rada.gov.ua:7777/pls/z7502/A005?rdat1=24.02.2007&rf7571=2 |title=Infobox card&nbsp;– Avtonomna Respublika Krym |access-date=23 February 2007 |work=[[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine]] |language=uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001015441/http://gska2.rada.gov.ua:7777/pls/z7502/A005?rdat1=24.02.2007&rf7571=2 |archive-date=1 October 2007}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=March 2014}}


{|
{| style="width: 100%"
|-
|-
| style="vertical-align: top" | '''Raions'''
| style="vertical-align: top" | '''Raions'''
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|}
|}


== Geography ==
== Geography and demographics ==
Crimea's only land boundary is with mainland Ukraine, which continues to claim sovereignty over the peninsula, with a number of road and rail connections. These crossings have been under the control of Russian troops since at least mid-March 2014.
{{main|Geography of Crimea}}


Crimea has no land connection to Russia. In 2014–2019, Russia built the [[Crimean Bridge]], a multibillion-dollar road–rail fixed link across the Kerch Strait.<ref>{{cite news|title=Putin orders military exercise as protesters clash in Crimea|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-crimea-bridge-idUSKCN0XF1YS|date=18 April 2016|access-date=2 May 2016|publisher=reuters}}</ref> The link has been open for road traffic since 2018, and for rail traffic since 2019 (passenger) and 2020 (freight).<ref>{{cite news|date=16 August 2020|title=На Крымском мосту установили новый рекорд автотрафика|trans-title=A new road traffic record was set on the Crimean bridge|agency=TASS|url=https://tass.ru/obschestvo/9212191|language=ru}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=June 2023}} During the 2022 [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] it became an important logistical link for Russian forces. In October 2022 it was badly damaged by an [[2022 Crimean Bridge explosion|explosion]].
===Political geography===
If it were to be considered a part of Russia, then Crimea would be one of two parts of [[European Russia]] that had no land connection to the rest of the country, the other being [[Kaliningrad Oblast]] on the [[Baltic Sea]]. Being a [[Enclave and exclave|semi-exclave]], the peninsula is connected to Russia by a multibillion-dollar road–rail fixed link across the Kerch Strait,<ref>{{cite news|title=Putin orders military exercise as protesters clash in Crimea|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-crimea-bridge-idUSKCN0XF1YS|date=18 April 2016|access-date=2 May 2016|publisher=reuters}}</ref> dubbed [[Crimean Bridge]] by the Russian government. The link is operational for road traffic since 2018, and for rail traffic since 2019 (passenger) and 2020 (freight).<ref>{{cite news|date=16 August 2020|title=На Крымском мосту установили новый рекорд автотрафика|trans-title=A new road traffic record was set on the Crimean bridge|agency=TASS|url=https://tass.ru/obschestvo/9212191|language=ru}}</ref>

If Crimea were considered separate from [[Ukraine]], which continues to claim sovereignty over the peninsula, then Ukraine would be the only country with which it shared a land border, with a number of road and rail connections. These crossings have been under the control of Russian troops since at least mid-March 2014.

==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Crimea}}


=== Life expectancy ===
=== Life expectancy ===
{{See also|List of federal subjects of Russia by life expectancy#Official Russian data 2019||label 1=List of federal subjects of Russia by life expectancy}}
{{See also|List of federal subjects of Russia by life expectancy#Official Russian data 2019||label 1=List of federal subjects of Russia by life expectancy}}
The best result in [[life expectancy]] the Republic of Crimea had in 2019, it reached 72.71 years. But during two years the COVID-19 pandemic the region had one of the largest summary fall in life expectancy in Russia, and in 2021 it became 69.70 years (65.31 for males and 73.96 for females)<ref name="rosstat">{{cite web|url=https://rosstat.gov.ru/folder/210/document/13207 |title=Демографический ежегодник России |publisher=[[Federal State Statistics Service (Russia)|Federal State Statistics Service of Russia]] (Rosstat) |access-date=28 June 2022 |language=ru |trans-title=The Demographic Yearbook of Russia}}</ref><ref name="uiiss">{{cite web|url=https://www.fedstat.ru/indicator/31293 |title=Ожидаемая продолжительность жизни при рождении |website=Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System of Russia |access-date=28 June 2022 |language=ru |trans-title=Life expectancy at birth}}</ref>
According to the Russian occupation authorities, the best result in [[life expectancy]] the Republic of Crimea had in 2019, it reached 72.71 years. But during two years the COVID-19 pandemic the region had one of the largest summary fall in life expectancy in Russia, and in 2021 it became 69.70 years (65.31 for males and 73.96 for females)<ref name="rosstat">{{cite web|url=https://rosstat.gov.ru/folder/210/document/13207 |title=Демографический ежегодник России |publisher=[[Federal State Statistics Service (Russia)|Federal State Statistics Service of Russia]] (Rosstat) |access-date=28 June 2022 |language=ru |trans-title=The Demographic Yearbook of Russia}}</ref><ref name="uiiss">{{cite web |url=https://www.fedstat.ru/indicator/31293 |title=Ожидаемая продолжительность жизни при рождении |website=Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System of Russia |access-date=28 June 2022 |language=ru |trans-title=Life expectancy at birth |archive-date=20 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220124657/https://www.fedstat.ru/indicator/31293 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=June 2023}}


<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
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File:Life expectancy in Russian subject -Crimea and its parts.png|Life expectancy in the Republic of Crimea in comparison with Crimea on average (in detail)
File:Life expectancy in Russian subject -Crimea and its parts.png|Life expectancy in the Republic of Crimea in comparison with Crimea on average (in detail)
</gallery>
</gallery>

===Ethnic groups===
{{see also|Crimea Germans|Italians of Crimea}}

[[File:Foros in 02.jpg|thumb| Interior of the [[Foros Church|Church of the Resurrection of Christ]] in [[Yalta]].]]
According to the [[Crimean Federal District Census (2014)|2014 Crimean Federal District census]], the ethnic makeup of the population of the whole Crimean Federal District at the time comprised the following self-reported groups:
* [[Russians]]: 1,188,978 (65.2%)
* [[Ukrainians]]: 291,603 (16.0%)
* [[Crimean Tatars]]: 229,526 (12.6%)
* [[Tatars]]: 42,254 (2.3%)
* [[Belarusians]]: 17,919 (1.0%)
* [[Armenians]]: 9,634 (0.5%)

According to the 2014 census, 84% of Crimean inhabitants named [[Russian language|Russian]] as their native language; 7.9% named [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]]; 3.7% [[Tatar language|Tatar]] and 3.3% [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]. The previous census was held more than decade ago in 2001, when Crimea was still controlled by Ukraine.<ref name=dt>{{cite news|title=Census of the population is transferred to 2016|url=http://dt.ua/UKRAINE/perepis-naselennya-pereneseno-na-2016-rik-128768_.html|access-date=7 March 2014|newspaper=[[Zerkalo Nedeli|Dzerkalo Tzhnia]]|date=20 September 2013|language=uk}}</ref>


===Languages===
===Languages===
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Crimea:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://crimeaconstitution.ru/glava1/ |title=Глава 1. ОСНОВЫ КОНСТИТУЦИОННОГО СТРОЯ &#124; Конституция Республики Крым 2014 |access-date=2 October 2015 |archive-date=31 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331201110/http://crimeaconstitution.ru/glava1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Crimea:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://crimeaconstitution.ru/glava1/ |title=Глава 1. ОСНОВЫ КОНСТИТУЦИОННОГО СТРОЯ &#124; Конституция Республики Крым 2014 |access-date=2 October 2015 |archive-date=31 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331201110/http://crimeaconstitution.ru/glava1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=June 2023}}


{{blockquote | Article 10
{{blockquote | Article 10
:1. Official languages of the Republic of Crimea are [[Russian language|Russian]], [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]] and [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]].}}
:1. Official languages of the Republic of Crimea are [[Russian language|Russian]], [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]] and [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]].}}

According to the 2014 census by occupation authorities, 84% of Crimean inhabitants named [[Russian language|Russian]] as their native language; 7.9% named [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]]; 3.7% [[Tatar language|Tatar]] and 3.3% [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]. The previous census was held more than decade ago in 2001, when Crimea was still controlled by Ukraine.<ref name="dt">{{cite news |date=20 September 2013 |title=Census of the population is transferred to 2016 |language=uk |newspaper=[[Zerkalo Nedeli|Dzerkalo Tzhnia]] |url=http://dt.ua/UKRAINE/perepis-naselennya-pereneseno-na-2016-rik-128768_.html |access-date=7 March 2014}}</ref>


According to the Republic of Crimea Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://monm.rk.gov.ru/rus/index.htm/news/314261.htm|title=На крымско-татарском и украинском языках в Крыму обучаются чуть более 3% детей – Министерство образования, науки и молодежи Республики Крым – Правительство Республики Крым|work=rk.gov.ru|access-date=2 October 2015|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407203026/http://monm.rk.gov.ru/rus/index.htm/news/314261.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> most primary and secondary school pupils have decided to study in Russian in 2015.
According to the Republic of Crimea Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://monm.rk.gov.ru/rus/index.htm/news/314261.htm|title=На крымско-татарском и украинском языках в Крыму обучаются чуть более 3% детей – Министерство образования, науки и молодежи Республики Крым – Правительство Республики Крым|work=rk.gov.ru|access-date=2 October 2015|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407203026/http://monm.rk.gov.ru/rus/index.htm/news/314261.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> most primary and secondary school pupils have decided to study in Russian in 2015.
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Its Education Minister Natalia Goncharova announced mid-August 2014 that (since no parents of first-graders wrote an application for learning Ukrainian) Crimea had decided not to form Ukrainian language classes in its [[primary schools]].<ref name="Crimea has no longer Ukrainian classes">{{in lang|uk}} [http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/08/14/7034864/ Crimea has no longer Ukrainian classes], [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (14 August 2014)</ref> Goncharova said that since more than a quarter of parents at the Ukrainian gymnasium in Simferopol had written an application to teach children in Ukrainian; this school might have Ukrainian language classes.<ref name="Crimea has no longer Ukrainian classes"/> Goncharova also added that the parents of first-graders had written application for learning the Russian language, and (in areas inhabited by Crimean Tatars) for learning Crimean Tatar.<ref name="Crimea has no longer Ukrainian classes"/> Goncharova stated on 10 October 2014 that at that time Crimea had 20 schools where all subjects were conducted in Ukrainian.<ref>{{in lang|ru}} [http://www.unian.net/politics/994563-v-kryimu-ne-ostalos-ukrainskih-shkol-ministr-obrazovaniya.html In Crimea, Ukrainian schools left – "Minister of Education"], [[UNIAN]] (10 October 2014)</ref>
Its Education Minister Natalia Goncharova announced mid-August 2014 that (since no parents of first-graders wrote an application for learning Ukrainian) Crimea had decided not to form Ukrainian language classes in its [[primary schools]].<ref name="Crimea has no longer Ukrainian classes">{{in lang|uk}} [http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/08/14/7034864/ Crimea has no longer Ukrainian classes], [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (14 August 2014)</ref> Goncharova said that since more than a quarter of parents at the Ukrainian gymnasium in Simferopol had written an application to teach children in Ukrainian; this school might have Ukrainian language classes.<ref name="Crimea has no longer Ukrainian classes"/> Goncharova also added that the parents of first-graders had written application for learning the Russian language, and (in areas inhabited by Crimean Tatars) for learning Crimean Tatar.<ref name="Crimea has no longer Ukrainian classes"/> Goncharova stated on 10 October 2014 that at that time Crimea had 20 schools where all subjects were conducted in Ukrainian.<ref>{{in lang|ru}} [http://www.unian.net/politics/994563-v-kryimu-ne-ostalos-ukrainskih-shkol-ministr-obrazovaniya.html In Crimea, Ukrainian schools left – "Minister of Education"], [[UNIAN]] (10 October 2014)</ref>


A report (realised in the summer of 2015) of the [[Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]] (OSCE) claimed that the Republic of Crimea had the aim to "end the teaching of Ukrainian" by "pressure on school administrations, teachers, parents, and children".<ref name=rfeoc18316>[http://www.rferl.mobi/a/crimea-annexation-two-years-unfulfilled-promises/27621753.html Two Years After Annexation, Crimeans Wait On Russia's Unfulfilled Promises], [[Radio Free Europe]] (18 March 2016)</ref>
A report (realised in the summer of 2015) of the [[Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]] (OSCE) stated that the Republic of Crimea had the aim to "end the teaching of Ukrainian" by "pressure on school administrations, teachers, parents, and children".<ref name=rfeoc18316>[http://www.rferl.mobi/a/crimea-annexation-two-years-unfulfilled-promises/27621753.html Two Years After Annexation, Crimeans Wait On Russia's Unfulfilled Promises], [[Radio Free Europe]] (18 March 2016)</ref>


===Religion===
===Religion===
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}}
}}


The majority of the [[demographics of Crimea|Crimean population]] adheres to the [[Russian Orthodox Church]], with the [[Crimean Tatars]] forming a [[Islam in Crimea|Sunni Muslim]] minority, besides smaller [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Odessa-Simferopol|Roman Catholic]], [[Ukrainian Catholic Archiepiscopal Exarchate of Odessa – Crimea|Ukrainian Greek Catholic]], [[Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenian Apostolic]] and [[Jews in Crimea|Jewish]] minorities. In 2013, Orthodox Christians made up 58% of the Crimean population, followed by Muslims (15%, mainly Tatars) and believers without religion (10%).<ref name="2013survey" />
In 2013, before the Russian occupation, the majority of the [[demographics of Crimea|Crimean population]] adhered to the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox Church]], with the [[Crimean Tatars]] forming a [[Islam in Crimea|Sunni Muslim]] minority, besides smaller [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Odesa-Simferopol|Roman Catholic]], [[Exarchate of Odesa-Crimea|Ukrainian Greek Catholic]], [[Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenian Apostolic]] and [[Jews in Crimea|Jewish]] minorities. In 2013, Orthodox Christians made up 58% of the Crimean population, followed by Muslims (15%, mainly Tatars) and believers without religion (10%).<ref name="2013survey" />

Since 2014, the United Nations has reported a regime of human-rights violations imposed by the Russian occupation authorities, including targeting religious minority groups and individuals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-25 |title=Situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine (Report of the Secretary-General) |url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N22/437/31/PDF/N2243731.pdf?OpenElement |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=United Nations |at=§&nbsp;F, ¶&nbsp;34–36}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-02 |title=Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine (Report of the Secretary-General) |url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N21/213/76/PDF/N2121376.pdf?OpenElement |website=United Nations |at=§&nbsp;G, ¶&nbsp;28–31}}</ref>
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
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| caption3 = Orthodox church in Yalta
| caption3 = Orthodox church in Yalta
| alt3 = Orthodox church in Yalta
| alt3 = Orthodox church in Yalta
| image4= Foros in 02.jpg
| caption4= Interior of the [[Foros Church|Church of the Resurrection of Christ]] in [[Yalta]]
| alt4= Interior of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Yalta
| footer_background = #BBDD99
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=== Overview ===
=== Overview ===
After annexation of the peninsula, Russia doubled payments to about 560,000 pensioners and 200,000 public workers (in Crimea).<ref name="m.gulfnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://m.gulfnews.com/opinion/editorials/in-crimea-cash-is-king-1.1466516|title=In Crimea, cash is king|work=gulfnews.com|date=4 March 2015 }}</ref> Those raises were cut back in April 2015.<ref name="Bad_Memory">{{cite news| url=https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21654059-land-grab-started-russias-conflict-wests-has-fallen-bottom | newspaper=The Economist | title=Bad_Memory | date=11 June 2015}}</ref>
In March 2014 Crimean GDP was estimated at $4.3 billion or 0.2% of Russia based on current prices and 0.5% based on purchasing power parity.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}


In June 2015 [[The Economist]] estimated that the average salary in Crimea was about two-thirds of the average salary in Russia.<ref name="Bad_Memory"/> According to Russian statistics by March 2015 the inflation in Crimea was 80%.<ref name=mtoc18316>[http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/562806.html Dreams in Isolation: Crimea 2 Years After Annexation], [[The Moscow Times]] (18 March 2016)</ref> According to the Crimean authorities local [[food prices]] have grown 2.5 times since Russia's annexation.<ref name="nbcnews.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/one-year-after-annexation-sanctions-isolate-crimea-world-n324131|title=Crimea One Year After Russia Referendum Is Isolated From World|author=Alexey Eremenko|work=NBC News}}</ref> Since then the peninsula now has to import most of its food from Russia.
After annexation of the peninsula, Russia doubled payments to about 560,000 pensioners and 200,000 public workers (in Crimea).<ref name="m.gulfnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://m.gulfnews.com/opinion/editorials/in-crimea-cash-is-king-1.1466516|title=In Crimea, cash is king|work=gulfnews.com}}</ref> Those raises were cut back in April 2015.<ref name="Bad_Memory">{{cite news| url=https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21654059-land-grab-started-russias-conflict-wests-has-fallen-bottom | newspaper=The Economist | title=Bad_Memory | date=11 June 2015}}</ref>


After the annexation, Russian Crimean authorities started nationalization of what they called strategically important enterprises, which included not only transportation and energy production enterprises, but also, for example, a wine factory in [[Massandra]]. The enterprises which belonged to Russian citizens were nationalized against financial reimbursement, which was, however, much lower than the actual value; those which belonged to Ukrainian citizens, for example, [[PrivatBank]] owned by [[Ihor Kolomoyskyi]] or [[Ukrtelecom]] owned by [[Rinat Akhmetov]], were expropriated without any reimbursement. The future of the nationalized enterprises is decided by the government.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sambros|first=Andrey|date=27 February 2015|title=Изображая Чавеса: чем закончился год национализаций в Крыму|publisher=carnegie.ru|url=http://carnegie.ru/publications/?fa=59199|access-date=3 January 2016}}</ref> Reasons given for this were (among others) "the company helped to finance military operations against [[Donetsk People's Republic]] and [[Luhansk People's Republic]]" and "the resort complex illegally blocked public access to nearby park lands".<ref name=ncbn181114/> The government can nationalise assets considered to have "particular social, cultural, or historical value".<ref name=ncbn181114/> In the case of the [[Zalyv Shipbuilding yard]], Crimean "self-defense" forces stormed the company's headquarters to demand nationalization.<ref name=ncbn181114/> [[Head of the Republic of Crimea|Head of the Republic]] [[Sergey Aksyonov]] claimed that in at least one case "Employees established control of the enterprise on their own, we just helped them a little".<ref name=ncbn181114>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141119000258/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-11-18/crimea-gets-renationalized Russia Delivers a New Shock to Crimean Business: Forced Nationalization], [[Bloomberg News]] (18 November 2014 )</ref> The nationalization of [[Ihor Kolomoyskyi]]'s assets was, according to Aksyonov, "totally justified due to the fact that he is one of the initiators and financiers of the special [[ATO zone|anti-terrorist operation]] in the [[Eastern Ukraine]] where [[Russian citizens]] are being killed".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ceeinsight.net/2014/09/05/kolomoyskyis-assets-nationalized-crimea-sergey-aksyonov/|title= Kolomoyskyi's assets to be nationalized in Crimea (Sergey Aksyonov)|website= ceeinsight.net|date= 5 September 2014|access-date= 7 March 2016|archive-date= 8 March 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160308072234/http://www.ceeinsight.net/2014/09/05/kolomoyskyis-assets-nationalized-crimea-sergey-aksyonov/|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>[http://tass.ru/en/economy/854261 Ukrainian tycoon’s estate in Crimea sold for $18 mln] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401003348/http://tass.ru/en/economy/854261 |date=1 April 2019 }}, [[Russian News Agency TASS]] (3 February 2016)</ref>
In June 2015 [[The Economist]] estimated that the average salary in Crimea was about two-thirds of the average salary in Russia.<ref name="Bad_Memory"/> According to Russian statistics by March 2015 the inflation in Crimea was 80%.<ref name=mtoc18316>[http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/562806.html Dreams in Isolation: Crimea 2 Years After Annexation], [[The Moscow Times]] (18 March 2016)</ref> According to the Crimean authorities local [[food prices]] have grown 2.5 times since Russia's annexation.<ref name="nbcnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/one-year-after-annexation-sanctions-isolate-crimea-world-n324131|title=Crimea One Year After Russia Referendum Is Isolated From World|author=Alexey Eremenko|work=NBC News}}</ref> Since then the peninsula now has to import most of its food from Russia.

After the annexation, Russian Crimean authorities started nationalization of what they called strategically important enterprises, which included not only transportation and energy production enterprises, but also, for example, a wine factory in [[Massandra]]. The enterprises which belonged to Russian citizens were nationalized against financial reimbursement, which was, however, much lower than the actual value; those which belonged to Ukrainian citizens, for example, [[PrivatBank]] owned by [[Ihor Kolomoyskyi]] or [[Ukrtelecom]] owned by [[Rinat Akhmetov]], were expropriated without any reimbursement. The future of the nationalized enterprises is decided by the government.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sambros|first=Andrey|date=27 February 2015|title=Изображая Чавеса: чем закончился год национализаций в Крыму|publisher=carnegie.ru|url=http://carnegie.ru/publications/?fa=59199|access-date=3 January 2016}}</ref> Reasons given for this were (among others) "the company helped to finance military operations against [[Donetsk People's Republic]] and [[Lugansk People's Republic]]" and "the resort complex illegally blocked public access to nearby park lands".<ref name=ncbn181114/> The government can nationalise assets considered to have "particular social, cultural, or historical value".<ref name=ncbn181114/> In the case of the [[Zalyv Shipbuilding yard]], Crimean "self-defense" forces stormed the company's headquarters to demand nationalization.<ref name=ncbn181114/> [[Head of the Republic of Crimea|Head of the Republic]] [[Sergey Aksyonov]] claimed that in at least one case "Employees established control of the enterprise on their own, we just helped them a little".<ref name=ncbn181114>[http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-11-18/crimea-gets-renationalized Russia Delivers a New Shock to Crimean Business: Forced Nationalization], [[Bloomberg News]] (18 November 2014 )</ref> The nationalization of [[Ihor Kolomoyskyi]]'s assets was, according to Aksyonov, "totally justified due to the fact that he is one of the initiators and financiers of the special [[ATO zone|anti-terrorist operation]] in the [[Eastern Ukraine]] where [[Russian citizens]] are being killed".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceeinsight.net/2014/09/05/kolomoyskyis-assets-nationalized-crimea-sergey-aksyonov/ |title=Kolomoyskyi's assets to be nationalized in Crimea (Sergey Aksyonov)|website= ceeinsight.net|date= 5 September 2014}}</ref><ref>[http://tass.ru/en/economy/854261 Ukrainian tycoon’s estate in Crimea sold for $18 mln], [[Russian News Agency TASS]] (3 February 2016)</ref>


By late October 2014 90% of the heads of Crimean [[government-owned corporation]] were fired as part of a supposed anti-[[Corruption in Russia|corruption]] campaign, although no charges have been filed against anyone. Human rights activists in the region have described the seizures as lacking a legal basis and dismissed the "anti-corruption" rationale.<ref name=GWCcc111114>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/11/crimea-russia-ukraine-change-annexation Crimea’s rapid Russification means pride for some but perplexity for others], [[Guardian Weekly]] (11 November 2014)</ref> In June 2015 the [[Federal Security Service]] (FSB) started several anti-corruption criminal cases against high ranking Crimean officials.<ref name="themoscowtimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/mobile/news/article/crimea-corruption-fueling-feud-between-local-and-federal-elites/525859.html |title=The Moscow Times – News, Business, Culture & Events |publisher=Themoscowtimes.com |date=2016-07-07 |access-date=2017-04-12}}</ref> According to Aksyonov the FSB had opened these criminal cases because it was "interested in destabilizing the situation in Crimea".<ref name="themoscowtimes.com"/>
By late October 2014 90% of the heads of Crimean [[government-owned corporation]] were fired as part of a supposed anti-[[Corruption in Russia|corruption]] campaign, although no charges have been filed against anyone. Human rights activists in the region have described the seizures as lacking a legal basis and dismissed the "anti-corruption" rationale.<ref name=GWCcc111114>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/11/crimea-russia-ukraine-change-annexation Crimea’s rapid Russification means pride for some but perplexity for others], [[Guardian Weekly]] (11 November 2014)</ref> In June 2015 the [[Federal Security Service]] (FSB) started several anti-corruption criminal cases against high ranking Crimean officials.<ref name="themoscowtimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/mobile/news/article/crimea-corruption-fueling-feud-between-local-and-federal-elites/525859.html |title=The Moscow Times – News, Business, Culture & Events |publisher=Themoscowtimes.com |date=2016-07-07 |access-date=2017-04-12}}</ref> According to Aksyonov the FSB had opened these criminal cases because it was "interested in destabilizing the situation in Crimea".<ref name="themoscowtimes.com"/>
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Under the [[International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War|international sanctions]] Crimea's once bustling [[IT]]-sector shrunk to a few IT companies.<ref name="nbcnews.com"/>
Under the [[International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War|international sanctions]] Crimea's once bustling [[IT]]-sector shrunk to a few IT companies.<ref name="nbcnews.com"/>


Russia invests significantly in Crimea, according to "The Federal Target Program for the Development of the Republic of Crimea and [[Sevastopol]]" they plan to invest one [[trillion]] [[Russian ruble]]s (15.3 [[billion]] [[dollar]]s) before 2022<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2019/07/18/reg-ufo/fcp-razvitiia-kryma-i-sevastopolia-uvelichili-pochti-do-trilliona.html|title=ФЦП развития Крыма и Севастополя увеличили почти до триллиона|website=Российская газета|date=18 July 2019 |language=ru|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://invest-in-crimea.ru/en/content/crimea-federal-target-program|title=Crimea – Federal Target Program {{!}} Investment portal of the Republic of Crimea|website=invest-in-crimea.ru|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref> The Russian government claims that those investments are necessary because [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] mismanagement of the Crimean territory caused losses of 2.5 [[trillion]] [[Russian ruble]]s (38.3 [[billion]] [[dollar]]s) to the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] and [[Sevastopol]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crimea.kp.ru/daily/26996.7/4056999/|title=Украина за 23 года нанесла Крыму ущерб на 2,5 триллиона рублей|last=правды»|first=Галина КОВАЛЕНКО {{!}} Сайт «Комсомольской|date=2019-06-28|website=KP.RU – сайт «Комсомольской правды»|language=ru|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref> Meanwhile, Ukraine estimates their losses due to Russian annexation of the peninsula to 100 billion dollars.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian Ministry of Justice: Ukraine lost $100 billion due to the annexation of the Crimea |url=http://uawire.org/news/the-ministry-of-justice-of-ukraine-has-assessed-the-damage-of-ukraine-from-annexation-of-the-crimea |agency=Uawire |date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
Russia invests significantly in Crimea, according to "The Federal Target Program for the Development of the Republic of Crimea and [[Sevastopol]]" they plan to invest one [[trillion]] [[Russian ruble]]s (15.3 [[billion]] [[dollar]]s) before 2022<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2019/07/18/reg-ufo/fcp-razvitiia-kryma-i-sevastopolia-uvelichili-pochti-do-trilliona.html|title=ФЦП развития Крыма и Севастополя увеличили почти до триллиона|website=Российская газета|date=18 July 2019 |language=ru|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://invest-in-crimea.ru/en/content/crimea-federal-target-program|title=Crimea – Federal Target Program {{!}} Investment portal of the Republic of Crimea|website=invest-in-crimea.ru|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref> The Russian government claims that those investments are necessary because [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] mismanagement of the Crimean territory caused losses of 2.5 [[trillion]] [[Russian ruble]]s (38.3 [[billion]] [[dollar]]s) to the [[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]] and [[Sevastopol]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.crimea.kp.ru/daily/26996.7/4056999/|title=Украина за 23 года нанесла Крыму ущерб на 2,5 триллиона рублей|last=правды»|first=Галина КОВАЛЕНКО {{!}} Сайт «Комсомольской|date=2019-06-28|newspaper=Crimea.kp.ru -|language=ru|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref> Meanwhile, Ukraine estimates their losses due to Russian annexation of the peninsula to 100 billion dollars.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian Ministry of Justice: Ukraine lost $100 billion due to the annexation of the Crimea |url=http://uawire.org/news/the-ministry-of-justice-of-ukraine-has-assessed-the-damage-of-ukraine-from-annexation-of-the-crimea |agency=Uawire |date=23 February 2017}}</ref>


==== Banks ====
==== Banks ====
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* Agriculture, hunting and forestry – 10%
* Agriculture, hunting and forestry – 10%
* Other – 39%
* Other – 39%

=== Free economic zone ===
A [[Free economic zone|Free Economic Zone]] has been established in the territory of the Republic of Crimea since 1 January 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://invest-in-crimea.ru/en/content/free-economic-zone|title=Free Economic Zone {{!}} Investment portal of the Republic of Crimea|website=invest-in-crimea.ru|access-date=2019-04-30}}</ref>

By the end of 2017, the amount of investment in Crimea's [[free economic zone]] since early 2015, exceeded 100 billion rubles ($1.69 billion).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/economy/974347|title=Investments in Crimea's free economic zone exceed $1.69 bln – region's head|website=TASS|language=ru|access-date=2019-04-30}}</ref>

At the beginning of 2019, 215 billion rubles ($3.3 billion) were attracted to the [[economy]] of [[Crimea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/economy/1054729|title=Over 100 agreements worth $3.3 bln signed at Yalta forum, says Crimean leader|website=TASS|language=ru|access-date=2019-05-02}}</ref>


=== Tourism ===
=== Tourism ===
[[File:2015. Новый Свет 120.jpg|thumb|Tourists in Crimea in June 2015]]
{{NPOV-section|1=reason=statements don’t reflect the cited sources (“nosedive,” “killing tourism”)|date=June 2023}}[[File:2015. Новый Свет 120.jpg|thumb|Tourists in Crimea in June 2015]]
In 2014 about two million tourists holidayed in Crimea, including 300,000 Ukrainians.<ref name=BBCKPs14tf/> In 2013 3.5 million Ukrainian and 1.5 million Russian tourists visited Crimea.<ref name=BBCKPs14tf/> Tourism is the mainstay of the Crimean economy.<ref name=BBCKPs14tf/> In August 2014 Head of the Republic Aksyonov was confident that in 2015 Crimea would welcome "at least five million visitors – I have no doubts about that".<ref name=BBCKPs14tf>[https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28688478 Tourism takes a nosedive in Crimea], [[BBC News]] (7 August 2014)<br />[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/business/dead-summer-in-russias-crimea-360697.html Russia's takeover of Crimea is killing tourism industry], [[Kyiv Post]] (14 August 2014)</ref> Early August 2015 the press service of his government stated that in 2015 2.02 million tourists had visited Crimea (16.5% more than in 2014).<ref>{{in lang|ru}} [http://ru.krymr.com/content/news/27165390.html In Crimea, we saw an increase in tourist traffic as compared to the year 2014], [[Radio Free Europe]] (2 August 2015)</ref> They stated in January 2016 (that in 2015) more than 4 million tourists had vacationed in the peninsula.<ref>{{in lang|uk}} [http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7095935/ Crimea – Aksenov predicts "huge flow of tourists" and operators – appreciation], [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (19 January 2016)</ref> Over 6.4 million tourists visited Crimea in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tass.com/economy/1031892|title=Over 6.4 mln tourists visit Crimea in 2018|website=TASS|access-date=2019-09-03}}</ref>
In 2014 about two million tourists holidayed in Crimea, including 300,000 Ukrainians.<ref name=BBCKPs14tf/> In 2013 3.5 million Ukrainian and 1.5 million Russian tourists visited Crimea.<ref name=BBCKPs14tf/> Tourism is the mainstay of the Crimean economy.<ref name=BBCKPs14tf/> In August 2014 Head of the Republic Aksyonov was confident that in 2015 Crimea would welcome "at least five million visitors – I have no doubts about that".<ref name=BBCKPs14tf>[https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28688478 Tourism takes a nosedive in Crimea], [[BBC News]] (7 August 2014)<br />[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/business/dead-summer-in-russias-crimea-360697.html Russia's takeover of Crimea is killing tourism industry], [[Kyiv Post]] (14 August 2014)</ref> Early August 2015 the press service of his government stated that in 2015 2.02 million tourists had visited Crimea (16.5% more than in 2014).<ref>{{in lang|ru}} [http://ru.krymr.com/content/news/27165390.html In Crimea, we saw an increase in tourist traffic as compared to the year 2014], [[Radio Free Europe]] (2 August 2015)</ref> They stated in January 2016 (that in 2015) more than 4 million tourists had vacationed in the peninsula.<ref>{{in lang|uk}} [http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7095935/ Crimea – Aksenov predicts "huge flow of tourists" and operators – appreciation], [[Ukrayinska Pravda]] (19 January 2016)</ref> Over 6.4 million tourists visited Crimea in 2018, according to occupation authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tass.com/economy/1031892|title=Over 6.4 mln tourists visit Crimea in 2018|website=TASS|access-date=2019-09-03}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=June 2023}}
Some tourists went home after an airbase attack in August 2022.<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/08/10/we-need-to-get-out-of-here-fear-grips-annexed-crimea-after-airbase-attack-a78541 ‘We Need to Get Out of Here’: Fear Grips Annexed Crimea After Airbase Attack]</ref> [[2022 Crimean Bridge explosion|Crimean Bridge explosion]] also influenced the tourists.<ref>{{cite web |title=Impact of Kerch bridge blast will be felt all the way to the Kremlin |date=8 October 2022 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718164334/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/08/impact-of-kerch-bridge-blast-will-be-felt-all-the-way-to-the-kremlin |archive-date=18 July 2023 |url-status=live |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/08/impact-of-kerch-bridge-blast-will-be-felt-all-the-way-to-the-kremlin}}</ref>


=== Museums and art galleries ===
=== Museums and art galleries ===
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== Telecommunication ==
== Telecommunication ==
The internet connection goes via [[Krasnodar Krai]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Crimeans are now using the Russian internet|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/8/2/5962145/crimeans-are-now-using-the-russian-internet|access-date=2014-08-02}}</ref>
The internet connection goes via [[Krasnodar Krai]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Crimeans are now using the Russian internet|date=2 August 2014 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/8/2/5962145/crimeans-are-now-using-the-russian-internet|access-date=2014-08-02}}</ref>

'''Cell telecom'''
In Crimea Peninsula worked four mobile operators already offers voice and mobile data for 2G, 3G and 4G users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://digital.gov.ru/en/events/31449/ |title=The first Russian mobile network launched in Crimea :: Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation |publisher=Digital.gov.ru |date=2014-08-04 |accessdate=2022-02-20}}</ref>
In Crimea Peninsula worked four mobile operators already offers voice and mobile data for 2G, 3G and 4G users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://digital.gov.ru/en/events/31449/ |title=The first Russian mobile network launched in Crimea :: Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation |publisher=Digital.gov.ru |date=2014-08-04 |accessdate=2022-02-20}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2023|certain=y}}


== Transport ==
== Transport ==
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== Education ==
== Education ==
*[[V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crfu.ru/about-university/|title=About university|website=Crimean Federal University|language=en|access-date=2019-04-30}}</ref>
*[[Simferopol gymnasium №1]]
*[[Gymnasium 9 (Simferopol)]]
*[[Kerch Polytechnic College]]


Although Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages have official status, reports say that Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar education is being squeezed.<ref name="LanguageLearning">{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/activist-ukrainian-crimean-tatar-language-learning-being-squeezed-in-crimea/30355782.html|title=Activist: Ukrainian, Crimean-Tatar Language Learning Being Squeezed In Crimea|work=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]]|date=2020-01-02|access-date=2023-06-22}}</ref>
=== Science ===
[[File:70-м антенна П-2500 (РТ-70).jpg|thumb|The 70 m [[radio telescope]] of the [[Crimean Astrophysical Observatory]] is a part of the [[Soviet Deep Space Network]] ]]

*[[Crimean Astrophysical Observatory]] is a part of the [[Soviet Deep Space Network]]
*[[Pluton (complex)|Deep-Space communications center]]
*[[RT-70]]
*[[Simeiz Observatory]]


== Sport ==
== Sport ==
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==Human rights==
==Human rights==
[[United Nations]] monitors (that had been in Crimea from 2 April to 6 May 2014) said they were concerned about treatment of journalists, sexual, religious and ethnic minorities and [[AIDS]] patients.<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA4F05Y20140516|title=U.N. monitors warn on human rights in east Ukraine, Crimea|work=Reuters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518010929/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/16/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA4F05Y20140516|archive-date=18 May 2014}}</ref> The monitors had found that journalists and activists who had opposed the [[2014 Crimean referendum]] had been harassed and abducted.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/world/europe/un-cites-abuses-in-crimea.html|title=U.N. Cites Abuses in Crimea Before Russia Annexation Vote|first=Nick|last=Cumming-Bruce|date=15 April 2014|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> They also reported that Crimeans who had not applied for [[Russian citizenship]] faced harassment and intimidation.<ref name="reuters.com"/> Russia said that it did not support the deployment of human rights monitors in Crimea.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> The (new) Crimean authorities vowed to investigate the reports of human rights violations.<ref name="nytimes.com"/>
[[United Nations]] monitors (who had been in Crimea from 2 April to 6 May 2014) said they were concerned about treatment of journalists, sexual, religious and ethnic minorities and [[AIDS]] patients.<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA4F05Y20140516|title=U.N. monitors warn on human rights in east Ukraine, Crimea|work=Reuters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518010929/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/16/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA4F05Y20140516|archive-date=18 May 2014}}</ref> The monitors had found that journalists and activists who had opposed the [[2014 Crimean referendum]] had been harassed and abducted.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/world/europe/un-cites-abuses-in-crimea.html|title=U.N. Cites Abuses in Crimea Before Russia Annexation Vote|first=Nick|last=Cumming-Bruce|newspaper=The New York Times |date=15 April 2014}}</ref> They also reported that Crimeans who had not applied for [[Russian citizenship]] faced harassment and intimidation.<ref name="reuters.com"/> Russia said that it did not support the deployment of human rights monitors in Crimea.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> The (new) Crimean authorities vowed to investigate the reports of human rights violations.<ref name="nytimes.com"/>


According to [[Human Rights Watch]] "Russia has violated multiple obligations it has as an occupying power under international humanitarian law – in particular in relation to the protection of civilians' rights."<ref name="unpo">{{cite web | url=http://unpo.org/article/17697 | title=Crimean Tatars: Human Rights Watch Publishes Report Detailing Serious Human Rights Abuses | publisher=Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization | access-date=27 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|title = Rights in Retreat: Abuses in Crimea|url = https://www.hrw.org/report/2014/11/17/rights-retreat/abuses-crimea|access-date = 2 September 2015|date = 17 November 2014|publisher = [[Human Rights Watch]]}}</ref>
According to [[Human Rights Watch]] "Russia has violated multiple obligations it has as an occupying power under international humanitarian law – in particular in relation to the protection of civilians' rights."<ref name="unpo">{{cite web | url=http://unpo.org/article/17697 | title=Crimean Tatars: Human Rights Watch Publishes Report Detailing Serious Human Rights Abuses | publisher=Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization | access-date=27 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|title = Rights in Retreat: Abuses in Crimea|url = https://www.hrw.org/report/2014/11/17/rights-retreat/abuses-crimea|access-date = 2 September 2015|date = 17 November 2014|publisher = [[Human Rights Watch]]}}</ref>


In its November 2014 report on Crimea, [[Human Rights Watch]] stated that "The de facto authorities in Crimea have limited free expression, restricted peaceful assembly, and intimidated and harassed those who have opposed Russia's actions in Crimea".<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-17/russia-abusing-rights-in-annexed-crimea-human-rights-watch-says.html Russia Abusing Rights in Annexed Crimea, Human Rights Watch Says], [[Bloomberg News]] (17 November 2014)<br />[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv/human-rights-watch-releases-damning-report-on-crimea-372315.html Human Rights Watch releases damning report on Crimea], [[Kyiv Post]] (18 November 2014)</ref> According to the report, 15 persons went missing since March 2014; according to Ukrainian authorities 21 people disappeared.<ref name=AlJaC341214/> [[Head of the Republic of Crimea|Head of the Republic]] [[Sergey Aksyonov]] pledged to find the missing persons as well as the culprits behind the kidnappings.<ref name=AlJaC341214/> Aksyonov regularly meets with a group of parents, whose children have gone missing, and human rights activists.<ref name=AlJaC341214/> These parents and human rights activists have complained that rotation of the team of investigators into these missing persons has harmed these investigations.<ref name=AlJaC341214/>
In its November 2014 report on Crimea, Human Rights Watch stated that "The de facto authorities in Crimea have limited free expression, restricted peaceful assembly, and intimidated and harassed those who have opposed Russia's actions in Crimea".<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-17/russia-abusing-rights-in-annexed-crimea-human-rights-watch-says.html Russia Abusing Rights in Annexed Crimea, Human Rights Watch Says], [[Bloomberg News]] (17 November 2014)<br />[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv/human-rights-watch-releases-damning-report-on-crimea-372315.html Human Rights Watch releases damning report on Crimea], [[Kyiv Post]] (18 November 2014)</ref> According to the report, 15 persons went missing since March 2014; according to Ukrainian authorities 21 people disappeared.<ref name=AlJaC341214/> [[Head of the Republic of Crimea|Head of the Republic]] [[Sergey Aksyonov]] pledged to find the missing persons as well as the culprits behind the kidnappings.<ref name=AlJaC341214/> Aksyonov regularly meets with a group of parents, whose children have gone missing, and human rights activists.<ref name=AlJaC341214/> These parents and human rights activists have complained that rotation of the team of investigators into these missing persons has harmed these investigations.<ref name=AlJaC341214/>


===Crimean Tatars===
===Crimean Tatars===
[[File:Vladimir Putin's meeting with representatives of the Crimean Tatars 02.jpeg|thumb|Vladimir Putin meeting with representatives of the Crimean Tatars, 16 May 2014]]
[[File:Vladimir Putin's meeting with representatives of the Crimean Tatars 02.jpeg|thumb|Vladimir Putin meeting with representatives of the Crimean Tatars, 16 May 2014]]
The [[Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People]] has come under the scrutiny of the Russian [[Federal Security Service]], which reportedly took control of the building where the Mejlis meets and searched it on 16 September 2014. Crimean Tatar media said FSB officers also searched the office of the ''[[Avdet]]'' newspaper, which is based inside the Mejlis building. Several members of the Mejlis were also reportedly subjected to FSB searches at their homes. Several Crimean Tatar opposition figures were banned from entering Crimea for five years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/144484/russian-fsb-surrounds-crimean-tatar-parliament-updated|agency=World Bulletin|title=Russian FSB surrounds Crimean Tatar parliament-UPDATED|date=16 September 2014|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> Since Russia annexed Crimea several Crimean Tatars have disappeared or have been found dead after being reported missing.<ref name="rferl.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/crimean-tatar-missing-simferopol-rights-crimea-ukraine-annexation/26636516.html|title=Missing Crimean Tatar Reportedly Found Dead|work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|title = Crimea: Enforced Disappearances|url = https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/10/07/crimea-enforced-disappearances|access-date = 2 September 2015|publisher = [[Human Rights Watch]]|date = 7 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2017/10/28/7159902/|script-title=uk:Кримського татарина, який зник після анексії, знайдено мертвим|trans-title=The Crimean Tartar, who disappeared after the annexation, was found dead|language=uk|newspaper=[[Ukrayinska Pravda]]|date=28 October 2017|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref> Crimean authorities state these deaths and disappearances are connected to "smoking an unspecified substance" and volunteers for the [[Syrian civil war]]; human rights activists claim the disappearances are part of a repression campaign against Crimean Tatars.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="rferl.org"/><ref name=":1" />
The [[Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People]] has come under the scrutiny of the Russian [[Federal Security Service]], which reportedly took control of the building where the Mejlis meets and searched it on 16 September 2014. Crimean Tatar media said FSB officers also searched the office of the ''[[Avdet]]'' newspaper, which is based inside the Mejlis building. Several members of the Mejlis were also reportedly subjected to FSB searches at their homes. Several Crimean Tatar opposition figures were banned from entering Crimea for five years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/144484/russian-fsb-surrounds-crimean-tatar-parliament-updated|agency=World Bulletin|title=Russian FSB surrounds Crimean Tatar parliament-UPDATED|date=16 September 2014|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> Since Russia annexed Crimea several Crimean Tatars have disappeared or have been found dead after being reported missing.<ref name="rferl.org">{{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/crimean-tatar-missing-simferopol-rights-crimea-ukraine-annexation/26636516.html|title=Missing Crimean Tatar Reportedly Found Dead|work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|date=14 October 2014 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|title = Crimea: Enforced Disappearances|url = https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/10/07/crimea-enforced-disappearances|access-date = 2 September 2015|publisher = [[Human Rights Watch]]|date = 7 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2017/10/28/7159902/|script-title=uk:Кримського татарина, який зник після анексії, знайдено мертвим|trans-title=The Crimean Tartar, who disappeared after the annexation, was found dead|language=uk|newspaper=[[Ukrayinska Pravda]]|date=28 October 2017|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref> Crimean authorities state these deaths and disappearances are connected to "smoking an unspecified substance" and volunteers for the [[Syrian civil war]]; human rights activists claim the disappearances are part of a repression campaign against Crimean Tatars.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="rferl.org"/><ref name=":1" />


In February 2016 human rights defender [[Emir-Usein Kuku]] from Crimea was arrested and accused of belonging to the Islamist organization [[Hizb ut-Tahrir]] although he denies any involvement in this organization. [[Amnesty International]] has called for his immediate liberation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://khpg.org/en/index.php?id=1530645336|title=Jailed Crimean Tatar Human Rights Activist on Hunger Strike in Russian World Cup city|date=4 July 2018|website=[[Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group]]|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2018/02/crimean-tatar-hrd-emir-usein-kuku/|title=Crimean Tatar: Never Silent in the Face of Injustice|date=February 2018|website=[[Amnesty International]]|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref>
In February 2016 human rights defender [[Emir-Usein Kuku]] from Crimea was arrested and accused of belonging to the Islamist organization [[Hizb ut-Tahrir]], although he denies any involvement in this organization. [[Amnesty International]] has called for his immediate liberation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://khpg.org/en/index.php?id=1530645336|title=Jailed Crimean Tatar Human Rights Activist on Hunger Strike in Russian World Cup city|date=4 July 2018|website=[[Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group]]|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2018/02/crimean-tatar-hrd-emir-usein-kuku/|title=Crimean Tatar: Never Silent in the Face of Injustice|date=February 2018|website=[[Amnesty International]]|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref>


In May 2018, [[Server Mustafayev]], the founder and coordinator of the human rights movement Crimean Solidarity, was imprisoned by Russian authorities and charged with "membership of a terrorist organisation". [[Amnesty International]] and [[Front Line Defenders]] demand his immediate release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur46/1470/2019/en/ |title=Russian Federation/Ukraine: Further Information: Rights Defender Facing Trumped-Up Charges: Server Mustafayev |date=29 November 2019 |website=Amnesty International }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/arrest-server-mustafayev |title=Arrest of Server Mustafayev |website=Front Line Defenders }}</ref>
In May 2018, [[Server Mustafayev]], the founder and coordinator of the human rights movement Crimean Solidarity, was imprisoned by Russian authorities and charged with "membership of a terrorist organisation". Amnesty International and [[Front Line Defenders]] demand his immediate release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur46/1470/2019/en/ |title=Russian Federation/Ukraine: Further Information: Rights Defender Facing Trumped-Up Charges: Server Mustafayev |date=29 November 2019 |website=Amnesty International }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/arrest-server-mustafayev |title=Arrest of Server Mustafayev |website=Front Line Defenders |date=23 September 2020 }}</ref>


==International status==
==International status==
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The status of the republic is disputed, as Russia and [[Political status of Crimea#Pro-Russian stances on Crimea|some other states]] recognised the annexation, whilst [[Political status of Crimea#Pro-Ukrainian stances on Crimea|most other nations]] do not. Ukraine still considers both the Autonomous Republic and Sevastopol as subdivisions of Ukraine under Ukrainian territory and subject to Ukrainian law.
The status of the republic is disputed, as Russia and [[Political status of Crimea#Pro-Russian stances on Crimea|some other states]] recognised the annexation, whilst [[Political status of Crimea#Pro-Ukrainian stances on Crimea|most other nations]] do not. Ukraine still considers both the Autonomous Republic and Sevastopol as subdivisions of Ukraine under Ukrainian territory and subject to Ukrainian law.


The official line of the [[US]], [[EU]] and [[Australia]] is that they don't grant visas to Crimeans with [[Russian passport]]s.<ref name="Bad_Memory"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uatoday.tv/politics/crimean-residents-may-not-be-able-to-visit-western-countries-using-russian-passports-388411.html|title=Crimean residents may not be able to visit Western countries using Russian passports|work=uatoday.tv}}</ref> Nevertheless, Russian media claims Crimeans get visas for some EU countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.ru/en/russia/758494|title=TASS: Russia – Crimean citizens get Schengen visas in Moscow despite EU ban|work=TASS}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourskidka.ru/greciya-vydast-krymchanam-shengenskie-vizy|title=Греция выдаст крымчанам шенгенские визы|work=Горящие туры в Египет, туры в Турцию, Грецию. Скидки. Поиск туров – Турскидки.ру|access-date=13 July 2015|archive-date=12 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512110902/http://www.tourskidka.ru/greciya-vydast-krymchanam-shengenskie-vizy|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The [[United States]], [[European Union]], and [[Australia]] all claim to not issue visas to residents of Crimea with [[Russian passport]]s.<ref name="Bad_Memory"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uatoday.tv/politics/crimean-residents-may-not-be-able-to-visit-western-countries-using-russian-passports-388411.html|title=Crimean residents may not be able to visit Western countries using Russian passports|work=uatoday.tv}}</ref> However, Russian media has claimed that several member states of the [[Schengen Area]] have issued visas to Crimeans with Russian passports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.ru/en/russia/758494|title=TASS: Russia – Crimean citizens get Schengen visas in Moscow despite EU ban|work=TASS|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329163312/http://tass.ru/en/russia/758494|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourskidka.ru/greciya-vydast-krymchanam-shengenskie-vizy|title=Греция выдаст крымчанам шенгенские визы|work=Горящие туры в Египет, туры в Турцию, Грецию. Скидки. Поиск туров – Турскидки.ру|access-date=13 July 2015|archive-date=12 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512110902/http://www.tourskidka.ru/greciya-vydast-krymchanam-shengenskie-vizy|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On 21 March 2014, [[Armenia]] recognised the Crimean referendum, which led to Ukraine recalling its ambassador to that country.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://asbarez.com/120951/ukraine-recalls-ambassador-to-armenia-over-crimea-recognition/ | work= Asbarez Armenian News | title=Ukraine Recalls Ambassador to Armenia over Crimea Recognition | date=21 March 2014}}</ref> The unrecognized [[Nagorno-Karabakh Republic]] also recognised the referendum earlier that week on 17 March.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://asbarez.com/120687/karabakh-foreign-ministry-issues-statement-on-crimea/ | work= Asbarez Armenian News | title=Karabakh Foreign Ministry Issues Statement on Crimea | date=17 March 2014}}</ref> On 22 March 2014, President Hamid Karzai of [[Afghanistan]] told a U.S. delegation that he recognised and supported the Crimean referendum and "respects the free will of the people of Crimea and Sevastopol to decide their own future".{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} On 23 March 2014, [[Belarus]] recognised Crimea as ''de facto'' part of [[Russia]].{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} On 27 March 2014, [[Nicaragua]] unconditionally recognised the incorporation of Crimea into [[Russia]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_03_27/Nicaragua-unconditionally-recognizes-incorporation-of-Crimea-into-Russia-7481/ | work=The Voice of Russia | title=Nicaragua unconditionally recognises incorporation of Crimea into Russia | date=27 March 2014 | access-date=28 March 2014 | archive-date=6 October 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120457/http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_03_27/Nicaragua-unconditionally-recognizes-incorporation-of-Crimea-into-Russia-7481/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 21 March 2014, [[Armenia]] recognised the Crimean referendum, which led to Ukraine recalling its ambassador to that country.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://asbarez.com/120951/ukraine-recalls-ambassador-to-armenia-over-crimea-recognition/ | work= Asbarez Armenian News | title=Ukraine Recalls Ambassador to Armenia over Crimea Recognition | date=21 March 2014}}</ref> The unrecognized [[Nagorno-Karabakh Republic]] also recognised the referendum earlier that week on 17 March.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://asbarez.com/120687/karabakh-foreign-ministry-issues-statement-on-crimea/ | work= Asbarez Armenian News | title=Karabakh Foreign Ministry Issues Statement on Crimea | date=17 March 2014}}</ref> On 22 March 2014, President Hamid Karzai of [[Afghanistan]] told a U.S. delegation that he recognised and supported the Crimean referendum and "respects the free will of the people of Crimea and Sevastopol to decide their own future".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Graham-Harrison |first1=Emma |title=Afghan president Hamid Karzai backs Russia's annexation of Crimea |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/24/afghan-president-hamid-karzai-backs-russia-annexation-crimea |website=The Guardian |access-date=26 June 2023 |date=24 March 2014}}</ref> On 23 March 2014, [[Alexander Lukashenko]], the [[President of Belarus|President]] of [[Belarus]] stated that Crimea was ''de facto'' part of Russia, but the country did not officially recognise the Russian claim until November 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Belarus leader, in U-turn, says annexed Crimea is legally Russian |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/belarus-leader-u-turn-says-annexed-crimea-is-legally-russian-ria-2021-11-30/ |website=Reuters |access-date=26 June 2023 |language=en |date=30 November 2021}}</ref> On 27 March 2014, [[Nicaragua]] unconditionally recognised the incorporation of Crimea into [[Russia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nicaragua recognizes Crimea as part of Russia |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/9009 |website=Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - KyivPost |date=27 March 2014 |access-date=26 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref>


[[File:UN Resolution regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine.svg|thumb|300px|Results of the [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262|United Nations General Assembly vote about the territorial integrity of Ukraine]] in March 2014. Note that Crimea is shown as part of Ukraine.<br />{{Legend inline|#74C365|In favour}} {{Legend inline|#ab4e52|Against}} {{Legend inline|#FADA5E|Abstentions}} {{Legend inline|#89CFF0|Absent}}]]
[[File:UN Resolution regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine.svg|thumb|300px|Results of the [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262|United Nations General Assembly vote about the territorial integrity of Ukraine]] in March 2014. Note that Crimea is shown as part of Ukraine.<br />{{Legend inline|#74C365|In favour}} {{Legend inline|#ab4e52|Against}} {{Legend inline|#FADA5E|Abstentions}} {{Legend inline|#89CFF0|Absent}}]]
On 27 March 2014, the UN General Assembly voted on a [[non-binding]] resolution claiming that the referendum was invalid and reaffirming Ukraine's territorial integrity, by a vote of 100 to 11, with 58 abstentions and 24 absent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47443&Cr=Ukraine&Cr1=|title=United Nations News Centre|date=27 March 2014|work=UN News Service Section}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA2Q1GA20140327 | work=Reuters | title=U.N. General Assembly declares Crimea secession vote invalid | date=27 March 2014}}</ref> [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Indonesia]], [[Japan]], [[Mexico]], [[United Kingdom]], [[United States]] and 89 other countries voted for; [[Armenia]], [[Belarus]], [[Bolivia]], [[Cuba]], [[North Korea]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Sudan]], [[Syria]], [[Venezuela]] and [[Zimbabwe]], as well as Russia, voted against.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} Among the abstaining countries were [[China]], [[India]], [[Pakistan]], [[South Africa]] and [[Brazil]]. [[Israel]] was among the countries listed as absent.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} [[Reuters]] reported unnamed UN diplomats saying the Russian delegation threatened with punitive action against certain Eastern European and Central Asian countries if they supported the resolution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/28/exclusive-russia-ukraine_n_5052313.html|agency=The Huffington Post|date=28 March 2014|access-date=28 March 2014|title=Russia Threatened Countries Ahead of UN Vote on Ukraine, Diplomats Say|first=Louis|last=Charbonneau}}</ref> Subsequent United Nations General Assembly resolutions also reaffirmed non-recognition of the annexation and condemned "the temporary occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine—the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol".<ref>{{cite web|title=A/RES/71/205 – E – A/RES/71/205|url=https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/71/205|website=undocs.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=General Assembly Adopts 50 Third Committee Resolutions, as Diverging Views on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Animate Voting – Meetings Coverage and Press Releases|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/ga11879.doc.htm|publisher=United Nations}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=20 December 2016|title=UN officially recognized Russia as an occupying power in Crimea|url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2016/12/20/un-officially-recognized-russia-as-an-occupying-power-in-crimea/|work=Euromaidan Press}}</ref>
On 27 March 2014, the UN General Assembly voted on a [[Non-binding resolution|non-binding]] resolution claiming that the referendum was invalid and reaffirming Ukraine's territorial integrity, by a vote of 100 to 11, with 58 abstentions and 24 absent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47443&Cr=Ukraine&Cr1=|title=United Nations News Centre|date=27 March 2014|work=UN News Service Section}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA2Q1GA20140327 | work=Reuters | title=U.N. General Assembly declares Crimea secession vote invalid | date=27 March 2014}}</ref> [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Indonesia]], [[Japan]], [[Mexico]], [[United Kingdom]], [[United States]] and 89 other countries voted for; [[Armenia]], [[Belarus]], [[Bolivia]], [[Cuba]], [[North Korea]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Sudan]], [[Syria]], [[Venezuela]] and [[Zimbabwe]], as well as Russia, voted against.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} Among the abstaining countries were [[China]], [[India]], [[Pakistan]], [[South Africa]] and [[Brazil]]. [[Israel]] was among the countries listed as absent.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} [[Reuters]] reported unnamed UN diplomats saying the Russian delegation threatened with punitive action against certain Eastern European and Central Asian countries if they supported the resolution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/28/exclusive-russia-ukraine_n_5052313.html|agency=The Huffington Post|date=28 March 2014|access-date=28 March 2014|title=Russia Threatened Countries Ahead of UN Vote on Ukraine, Diplomats Say|first=Louis|last=Charbonneau}}</ref> Subsequent United Nations General Assembly resolutions also reaffirmed non-recognition of the annexation and condemned "the temporary occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine—the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol".<ref>{{cite web|title=A/RES/71/205 – E – A/RES/71/205|url=https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/71/205|website=undocs.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=General Assembly Adopts 50 Third Committee Resolutions, as Diverging Views on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Animate Voting – Meetings Coverage and Press Releases|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/ga11879.doc.htm|publisher=United Nations}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=20 December 2016|title=UN officially recognized Russia as an occupying power in Crimea|url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2016/12/20/un-officially-recognized-russia-as-an-occupying-power-in-crimea/|work=Euromaidan Press}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Russia}}
{{Portal|Russia}}
*[[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Empire]]
*[[Annexation of the Crimean Khanate by the Russian Empire]]
*[[Soviet-era Crimea]]
*[[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]]
*[[Autonomous Republic of Crimea]]
*[[Crimea in the Soviet Union]]
*[[Russian occupation of Crimea]]
*[[Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts]]
**[[Donetsk People's Republic]]
**[[Luhansk People's Republic]]
**[[Russian occupation of Kharkiv Oblast]]
**[[Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast]]
**[[Russian occupation of Mykolaiv Oblast]]
**[[Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast]]


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
Line 463: Line 405:
==External links==
==External links==
{{Sister project links|1=Crimea|commons=Crimea|voy=Crimea|q=no|s=no|b=no|v=no|d=y}}
{{Sister project links|1=Crimea|commons=Crimea|voy=Crimea|q=no|s=no|b=no|v=no|d=y}}
* [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20604 Agreement on the accession of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation signed]
* [http://www.rg.ru/2014/05/06/krim-konstituciya-reg-dok.html Constitution of the Republic of Crimea]


{{Crimea topics}}
{{Crimea topics}}
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{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}


[[Category:Republic of Crimea| ]]
[[Category:Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation]]
[[Category:Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation]]
[[Category:Crimean Federal District]]
[[Category:Crimean Federal District]]
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[[Category:Politics of Crimea]]
[[Category:Politics of Crimea]]
[[Category:Republics of Russia|Crimea]]
[[Category:Republics of Russia|Crimea]]
[[Category:Russian-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Russian occupation of Ukraine]]
[[Category:Separatism in Ukraine]]
[[Category:Separatism in Ukraine]]
[[Category:Southern Federal District]]
[[Category:Southern Federal District]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2014|Crimea, Republic of]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2014|Crimea, Republic of]]
[[Category:Russian irredentism]]
[[Category:Russian irredentism]]
[[Category:Russian occupation of Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian nationalism in Ukraine]]
[[Category:2014 establishments in Russia]]
[[Category:2014 establishments in Russia]]
[[Category:Former unrecognized countries]]
[[Category:Former unrecognized countries]]
[[Category:Frozen conflict zones]]
[[Category:Crimea in the Russo-Ukrainian War]]
[[Category:Political history of Crimea]]
[[Category:Republics]]
[[Category:Turkic states]]

Latest revision as of 05:20, 17 July 2024

Republic of Crimea
Anthem: Нивы и горы твои волшебны, Родина
Nivy i gory tvoi volshebny, Rodina (Russian)
"Your fields and mountains are magical, Motherland"
Location of the Republic of Crimea (Russia) (red) in Russia (light yellow)
Location of the Republic of Crimea (Russia) (red)

in Russia (light yellow)

Location of the Republic of Crimea (Russia) (light yellow) in the Crimean Peninsula
Location of the Republic of Crimea (Russia) (light yellow)

in the Crimean Peninsula

Coordinates: 45°18′N 34°24′E / 45.3°N 34.4°E / 45.3; 34.4
Federal districtSouthern[1]
Economic regionNorth Caucasus
Capture of the Crimean parliament by Russian forces27 February 2014
Annexation by Russia18 March 2014[2]
Administrative centreSimferopol
Government
 • BodyState Council
 • HeadSergey Aksyonov[3]
Area
 • Total26,081 km2 (10,070 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[5]
 • Total1,934,630
 • Density74/km2 (190/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official
Time zoneUTC+3 (MSK[8])
License plates82[9][10]
Websitecrimea.gov.ru

The Republic of Crimea[b] is a republic of Russia, comprising most of the Crimean Peninsula, but excluding Sevastopol.[11] Its territory corresponds to the pre-2023[12] territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, a de jure subdivision of Ukraine. Russia occupied and annexed the peninsula in 2014, although the annexation remains internationally unrecognized.[13]

The capital and largest city located within its borders is Simferopol, which is the second-largest city on the Crimean Peninsula. As of the 2021 Russian census, the Republic of Crimea had a population of 1,934,630.[5]

History

2014 annexation

In February 2014, following the 2014 Ukrainian revolution that ousted the Ukrainian President, Viktor Yanukovych, the Russian leadership decided to "start working on returning Crimea to Russia"[14] (i.e. envisaged the annexation of the peninsula), and after a takeover of Crimea by Russian armed forces without insignias and pro-Russian separatists, the territory within weeks came under Russian effective control.

To facilitate the annexation politically,[15] on 6 March the Crimean parliament and the Sevastopol City Council announced a referendum on the issue of joining Russia. This referendum, the holding of which was a violation of the Ukrainian Constitution,[16] was to be held on 16 March. The upcoming vote allowed citizens to vote on whether Crimea should apply to join Russia as a federal subject of the Russian Federation, or restore the 1992 Crimean constitution and Crimea's status as a part of Ukraine. The available choices did not include keeping the status quo of Crimea and Sevastopol as they were at the time the referendum was held.[17]

On 11 March 2014, the Crimean parliament and the Sevastopol City Council jointly issued a letter of intent to unilaterally declare independence from Ukraine in the event of a "Yes" vote in the upcoming referendum, citing the "Kosovo precedent" in the lead part.[18] The envisaged process was so designed to allow Russia to claim that "it did not annex Crimea from Ukraine, rather the Republic of Crimea exercised its sovereign powers in seeking a merge with Russia".[19]

On 16 March 2014, according to the organizers of Crimean status referendum, a large majority (reported as 96.77% of the 81.36% of the population of Crimea who voted) voted in favour of independence of Crimea from Ukraine and joining Russia as a federal subject.[20][21][22][23] The referendum was not recognized by most of the international community and the reported results were disputed by numerous independent observers.[24][25][26][27][28] The BBC reported that most of the Crimean Tatars that they interviewed were boycotting the vote.[20] Reports from the UN criticised the circumstances surrounding the referendum, especially the presence of paramilitaries, self-defence groups and unidentifiable soldiers.[29] The European Union, Canada, Japan and the United States condemned the vote as illegal.[20][30]

Diagram showing the merge, short-lived independence, and separation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol that led to the Republic of Crimea becoming a federal subject of Russia.

After the referendum, Crimean lawmakers formally voted both to secede from Ukraine and applied for their admission into Russia. The Sevastopol City Council, however, requested the port's separate admission as a federal city.[31] On the same day Russia formally approved the draft treaty on absorption of the self-proclaimed Republic of Crimea,[32][33] and on 18 March 2014 the political process of annexation was formally concluded,[15] with the self-proclaimed independent Republic of Crimea signing a treaty of accession to the Russian Federation.[34] The accession was granted but separately for each the former regions that composed it: one accession for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea as the Republic of Crimea—the same name as the short-lived self-proclaimed independent republic—and another accession for Sevastopol as a federal city. A post-annexation transition period, during which Russian authorities were to resolve the issues of integration of the new subjects "in the economic, financial, credit and legal system of the Russian Federation", was set to last until 1 January 2015.[35]

The change of status of Crimea was only recognised internationally by a few states with most regarding the action as illegal. Ukraine refused to accept the annexation, however the Ukrainian military began to withdraw from Crimea on 19 March,[36] and by 26 March, Russia had acquired complete military control of Crimea, so the annexation was essentially complete.[37]

Post-annexation integration

The post-annexation integration process started within days. On 24 March, the Russian ruble went into official circulation with parallel circulation of the Ukrainian hryvnia permitted until 1 January 2016, however, taxes and fees were to be paid in rubles only, and the wages of employees at budget-receiving organisations were to be paid out in rubles as well.[38] On 29 March, the clocks in Crimea were moved forward to Moscow time.[39] Also on 31 March, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared that foreign citizens visiting Crimea needed to apply for a visa to the Russian Federation at one of Russian diplomatic missions or its consulates.[citation needed]

On 3 April 2014, Moscow sent a diplomatic note to Ukraine on terminating the actions of agreements concerning the deployment of the Russian Federation's Black Sea Fleet on the territory of Ukraine. As part of the agreements, Russia used to pay the Ukrainian government $530 million annually for the base, and wrote off nearly $100 million of Kyiv's debt for the right to use Ukrainian waters. Ukraine also received a discount of $100 on each 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas imported from Russia, which was provided for by cutting export duties on the gas, money that would have gone into the Russian state budget. The Kremlin explained that because the base was no longer located in Ukraine, the discount was no longer legally justifiable.[40] Crimea and the city of Sevastopol became part of Russia's Southern Military District.[41]

On 11 April 2014, the parliament of Crimea approved a new constitution, with 88 out of 100 lawmakers voting in favor of its adoption.[42] The new constitution confirms the Republic of Crimea as a democratic state within the Russian Federation and declares both territories united and inseparable. The Crimean parliament would become smaller and have 75 members instead of the current 100.[43] According to the Kommersant newspaper, the authorities, including the State Council chair Vladimir Konstantinov, unofficially promised that certain quotas would be reserved for Crimean Tatars in various government bodies.[citation needed] On the same day, a new revision of the Russian Constitution was officially published, with the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol included in the list of federal subjects of the Russian Federation.[44]

Simferopol, Crimea, 9 May 2019, the celebration of the Victory Day

On 12 April 2014, the Constitution of the Republic of Crimea, adopted at the session of the State Council on 11 April, entered into legal force. The constitution was published by the Krymskiye Izvestiya newspaper, becoming law on the publication date, the State Council of Crimea said. The Constitution consists of 10 chapters and 95 articles; its main regulations are analogous to the articles of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The text proclaims the Republic of Crimea is a democratic, legal state within the Russian Federation and an equal subject of the Russian Federation. The source of power in the Crimean Republic is its people, which constitutes to the multinational nation of the Russian Federation. It is noted that the supreme direct manifestation of the power of the people is referendum and free elections; seizure of power and appropriation of power authorization are unacceptable.[citation needed]

On 1 June 2014, Crimea officially switched over to the Russian ruble as its only form of legal tender.[45]

On 7 May 2015, Crimea switched its phone codes (Ukrainian number system) to the Russian number system.[46]

In July 2015, Russian Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, declared that Crimea had been fully integrated into Russia,[47] similar statements were also expressed at the Russian Security Council.[48]

In July 2016, Crimea ceased to be a separate federal district of the Russian Federation and was included into the Southern federal district instead.[49][50]

Russia has since the annexation supported large migration into Crimea, and the Office of the Federal State Statistics Service in Crimea and Sevastopol records as of 2021 since 2014 205,559 Russians have moved to Crimea. Ukrainian Ministry and Crimean Human Rights Group say the real number could unofficially be many times higher.[51][52][53]

Infrastructure

On 31 March 2014, the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced a series of programmes aimed at swiftly incorporating the territory into Russia's economy and infrastructure. The creation of a new Ministry of Crimean Affairs was announced too.[54] After 2014 the Russian government invested heavily in the peninsula's infrastructure—repairing roads, modernizing hospitals and building the Crimean Bridge that links the peninsula to the Russian mainland.

In 2017 the Russian government also began modernising the Simferopol International Airport,[55] which opened its new terminal in April 2018.[56]

Russia provides electricity to Crimea via a cable beneath the Kerch Strait. In June 2018 there was a full electrical outage for all of Crimea, but the power grid company Rosseti reported to have fixed the outage in approximately one hour.[57]

On 28 December 2018, Russia completed a high-tech security fence marking the border between Crimea and Ukraine.[58]

Ukrainian reaction

Once Ukraine lost control of the territory in 2014, it shut off the water supply of the North Crimean Canal which supplies 85% of the peninsula's freshwater needs from the Dnieper river, the nation's main waterway.[59] Development of new sources of water was undertaken, with huge difficulties, to replace closed Ukrainian sources.[60] In 2022, Russia conquered portions of Kherson Oblast, which allowed it to unblock the North Crimean canal by force, resuming water supply into Crimea.[61]

On 15 April 2014, the Ukrainian Parliament declared Crimea and the city of Sevastopol "occupied territories".[62]

In 2021, Ukraine launched the Crimea Platform a diplomatic initiative aimed at protecting the rights of Crimean inhabitants and ultimately reversing the illegal annexation of Crimea.[63]

Government and politics

The State Council of Crimea is a legislative body with a 75-seat parliament.[64] The polling held on 14 September 2014 resulted in United Russia securing 70 of the 75 members elected.[65]

Natalia Poklonskaya, Prosecutor of the Republic of Crimea, March 2015

Justice is administered by courts, as part of the judiciary of Russia. Under Russian law, all decisions delivered by the Crimean branches of the judiciary of Ukraine up to its annexation remain valid.[66] This includes sentences (for "encroaching on Ukraine's territorial integrity and inviolability") for pre-2014 calls for an incorporation of Crimea into Russia.[66]

The executive power is represented by the Council of Ministers, headed either by the Prime Minister of Crimea or by the Head of the Republic of Crimea. The authority and operation of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of Crimea are determined by the Constitution of the Republic of Crimea and other Crimean laws, as well as by regular decisions carried out by the Council.[67]

Crimeans who refused to take Russian citizenship are barred from holding government positions or municipal jobs.[68]

By July 2015, 20,000 Crimeans had renounced their Ukrainian citizenship.[69] From the time of Russia's annexation until October 2016, more than 8,800 Crimean residents received Ukrainian passports.[70]

On 18 September 2016, the whole of Crimea participated in the Russian legislative election.

Military

Administrative divisions

The Republic of Crimea continues to use the administrative divisions previously used by the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and is thus subdivided into 25 regions: 14 districts (raions) and 11 city municipalities (gorodskoj sovet or gorsovet), officially known as territories governed by city councils.[71][failed verification]

Raions
1. Bakhchysarai Raion
2. Bilohirsk Raion
3. Dzhankoy Raion
4. Kirovske Raion
5. Krasnohvardiiske Raion
6. Krasnoperekopsk Raion
7. Lenine Raion
8. Nyzhnohirskyi Raion
9. Pervomaiske Raion
10. Rozdolne Raion
11. Saky Raion
12. Simferopol Raion
13. Sovietskyi Raion
14. Chornomorske Raion
City municipalities
15. Alushta Municipality
16. Armyansk Municipality
17. Dzhankoy Municipality
18. Yevpatoria Municipality
19. Kerch Municipality
20. Krasnoperekopsk Municipality
21. Saky Municipality
22. Simferopol Municipality
23. Sudak Municipality
24. Feodosia Municipality
25. Yalta Municipality
Subdivisions of Crimea.

Geography and demographics

Crimea's only land boundary is with mainland Ukraine, which continues to claim sovereignty over the peninsula, with a number of road and rail connections. These crossings have been under the control of Russian troops since at least mid-March 2014.

Crimea has no land connection to Russia. In 2014–2019, Russia built the Crimean Bridge, a multibillion-dollar road–rail fixed link across the Kerch Strait.[72] The link has been open for road traffic since 2018, and for rail traffic since 2019 (passenger) and 2020 (freight).[73][better source needed] During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine it became an important logistical link for Russian forces. In October 2022 it was badly damaged by an explosion.

Life expectancy

According to the Russian occupation authorities, the best result in life expectancy the Republic of Crimea had in 2019, it reached 72.71 years. But during two years the COVID-19 pandemic the region had one of the largest summary fall in life expectancy in Russia, and in 2021 it became 69.70 years (65.31 for males and 73.96 for females)[74][75][better source needed]

  • Life expectancy in the Republic of Crimea [74][75]
    Life expectancy in the Republic of Crimea [74][75]
  • Life expectancy with calculated differences
    Life expectancy with calculated differences
  • Life expectancy in the Republic of Crimea in comparison with Crimea on average and neighboring regions of the country
    Life expectancy in the Republic of Crimea in comparison with Crimea on average and neighboring regions of the country
  • Life expectancy in the Republic of Crimea in comparison with Crimea on average (in detail)
    Life expectancy in the Republic of Crimea in comparison with Crimea on average (in detail)

Languages

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Crimea:[76][better source needed]

Article 10

1. Official languages of the Republic of Crimea are Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar.

According to the 2014 census by occupation authorities, 84% of Crimean inhabitants named Russian as their native language; 7.9% named Crimean Tatar; 3.7% Tatar and 3.3% Ukrainian. The previous census was held more than decade ago in 2001, when Crimea was still controlled by Ukraine.[77]

According to the Republic of Crimea Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth,[78] most primary and secondary school pupils have decided to study in Russian in 2015.

  • In Russian – 96.74%
  • In Crimean Tatar – 2.76%. 5083 pupils (+188 to 2014 year) study in Crimean Tatar language in 53 schools in 17 districts. 37 1st grade classes of primary school have been opened.
  • In Ukrainian – 0.5%. 949 pupils study in Ukrainian language in 22 schools in 13 districts. 2 1st grade classes of primary school have been opened.

Its Education Minister Natalia Goncharova announced mid-August 2014 that (since no parents of first-graders wrote an application for learning Ukrainian) Crimea had decided not to form Ukrainian language classes in its primary schools.[79] Goncharova said that since more than a quarter of parents at the Ukrainian gymnasium in Simferopol had written an application to teach children in Ukrainian; this school might have Ukrainian language classes.[79] Goncharova also added that the parents of first-graders had written application for learning the Russian language, and (in areas inhabited by Crimean Tatars) for learning Crimean Tatar.[79] Goncharova stated on 10 October 2014 that at that time Crimea had 20 schools where all subjects were conducted in Ukrainian.[80]

A report (realised in the summer of 2015) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) stated that the Republic of Crimea had the aim to "end the teaching of Ukrainian" by "pressure on school administrations, teachers, parents, and children".[81]

Religion

Religion in Crimea (2013)[82]

  Orthodox (58%)
  Muslim (15%)
  Atheist (2%)
  Other religion (2%)
  Not stated (13%)

In 2013, before the Russian occupation, the majority of the Crimean population adhered to the Orthodox Church, with the Crimean Tatars forming a Sunni Muslim minority, besides smaller Roman Catholic, Ukrainian Greek Catholic, Armenian Apostolic and Jewish minorities. In 2013, Orthodox Christians made up 58% of the Crimean population, followed by Muslims (15%, mainly Tatars) and believers without religion (10%).[82]

Since 2014, the United Nations has reported a regime of human-rights violations imposed by the Russian occupation authorities, including targeting religious minority groups and individuals.[83][84]

Catholic church in Yevpatoria
Catholic church in Yevpatoria
a Sunni mosque in Yevpatoria
A Sunni mosque in Yevpatoria
Orthodox church in Yalta
Orthodox church in Yalta

Economy

Peninsula economy is based on tourism, agriculture (wines, fruits, wheat, rice and further crops), fishing, pearls, mining and natural resources (mainly iron, titanium, aluminium, manganese, calcite, sandstone, quartz and silicates, amethyst, other), metallurgical and steel industry, shipbuilding and repair, oil gas and petrochemical, chemical industry, electronics and devices machinery, instruments making, glass, electronics and electric parts devices, materials and building.

Overview

After annexation of the peninsula, Russia doubled payments to about 560,000 pensioners and 200,000 public workers (in Crimea).[85] Those raises were cut back in April 2015.[86]

In June 2015 The Economist estimated that the average salary in Crimea was about two-thirds of the average salary in Russia.[86] According to Russian statistics by March 2015 the inflation in Crimea was 80%.[87] According to the Crimean authorities local food prices have grown 2.5 times since Russia's annexation.[88] Since then the peninsula now has to import most of its food from Russia.

After the annexation, Russian Crimean authorities started nationalization of what they called strategically important enterprises, which included not only transportation and energy production enterprises, but also, for example, a wine factory in Massandra. The enterprises which belonged to Russian citizens were nationalized against financial reimbursement, which was, however, much lower than the actual value; those which belonged to Ukrainian citizens, for example, PrivatBank owned by Ihor Kolomoyskyi or Ukrtelecom owned by Rinat Akhmetov, were expropriated without any reimbursement. The future of the nationalized enterprises is decided by the government.[89] Reasons given for this were (among others) "the company helped to finance military operations against Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic" and "the resort complex illegally blocked public access to nearby park lands".[90] The government can nationalise assets considered to have "particular social, cultural, or historical value".[90] In the case of the Zalyv Shipbuilding yard, Crimean "self-defense" forces stormed the company's headquarters to demand nationalization.[90] Head of the Republic Sergey Aksyonov claimed that in at least one case "Employees established control of the enterprise on their own, we just helped them a little".[90] The nationalization of Ihor Kolomoyskyi's assets was, according to Aksyonov, "totally justified due to the fact that he is one of the initiators and financiers of the special anti-terrorist operation in the Eastern Ukraine where Russian citizens are being killed".[91][92]

By late October 2014 90% of the heads of Crimean government-owned corporation were fired as part of a supposed anti-corruption campaign, although no charges have been filed against anyone. Human rights activists in the region have described the seizures as lacking a legal basis and dismissed the "anti-corruption" rationale.[93] In June 2015 the Federal Security Service (FSB) started several anti-corruption criminal cases against high ranking Crimean officials.[94] According to Aksyonov the FSB had opened these criminal cases because it was "interested in destabilizing the situation in Crimea".[94]

On 6 May 2014 the National Bank of Ukraine ordered Ukrainian banks to cease operations in Crimea; the following weeks the Central Bank of Russia closed all Ukrainian banks in the peninsula because "they had failed to meet their obligations to creditors".[95] Eight months after the 21 March 2014 formal annexation of Crimea by Russia it became impossible for clients of Ukrainian banks to access their deposits and most of them did not pay interest (on loans).[96][clarification needed] A "Fund for the Protection of Depositors in Crimea", as part of Russia's Deposit Insurance Agency, was set up by Russia to compensate Crimeans.[96] By 6 November 2014 it paid out more than $500 million to 196,400 depositors; the fund has a limit of about $15,000 per bank account.[96] In July 2015, 25 banks were operating in Crimea while prior to the Russian annexation there were 180 banks.[97]

While many international businesses left the region, in 2015 only a few Russian companies are reported to have invested in Crimea, fearing sanctions.[85]

Under the international sanctions Crimea's once bustling IT-sector shrunk to a few IT companies.[88]

Russia invests significantly in Crimea, according to "The Federal Target Program for the Development of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol" they plan to invest one trillion Russian rubles (15.3 billion dollars) before 2022[98][99] The Russian government claims that those investments are necessary because Ukrainian mismanagement of the Crimean territory caused losses of 2.5 trillion Russian rubles (38.3 billion dollars) to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol[100] Meanwhile, Ukraine estimates their losses due to Russian annexation of the peninsula to 100 billion dollars.[101]

Banks

Gross regional product:[105]

Commercial Medical Clinic in the Republic of Crimea
  • Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, personal and household goods – 13%
  • Transport and Telecom – 10%
  • Real estate, renting and business activities – 10%
  • Health care and social services – 10%
  • Public administration, defense, compulsory social security – 8%
  • Agriculture, hunting and forestry – 10%
  • Other – 39%

Tourism

Tourists in Crimea in June 2015

In 2014 about two million tourists holidayed in Crimea, including 300,000 Ukrainians.[106] In 2013 3.5 million Ukrainian and 1.5 million Russian tourists visited Crimea.[106] Tourism is the mainstay of the Crimean economy.[106] In August 2014 Head of the Republic Aksyonov was confident that in 2015 Crimea would welcome "at least five million visitors – I have no doubts about that".[106] Early August 2015 the press service of his government stated that in 2015 2.02 million tourists had visited Crimea (16.5% more than in 2014).[107] They stated in January 2016 (that in 2015) more than 4 million tourists had vacationed in the peninsula.[108] Over 6.4 million tourists visited Crimea in 2018, according to occupation authorities.[109][better source needed] Some tourists went home after an airbase attack in August 2022.[110] Crimean Bridge explosion also influenced the tourists.[111]

Museums and art galleries

Industrial Park

Telecommunication

The internet connection goes via Krasnodar Krai.[114]

In Crimea Peninsula worked four mobile operators already offers voice and mobile data for 2G, 3G and 4G users.[115][unreliable source]

Transport

Aviation

Simferopol is an air transport hub of the Republic of Crimea.

Rail

Trolleybus Line

Crimean trolleybus line length of 86 kilometres (53 mi) long of service «Krymtrolleybus».

Routes: Airport SimferopolSimferopolAlushtaYalta

Roads

Water

Education

Although Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages have official status, reports say that Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar education is being squeezed.[7]

Sport

Lokomotiv Republican Sports Complex in Simferopol.

Football clubs

Human rights

United Nations monitors (who had been in Crimea from 2 April to 6 May 2014) said they were concerned about treatment of journalists, sexual, religious and ethnic minorities and AIDS patients.[116] The monitors had found that journalists and activists who had opposed the 2014 Crimean referendum had been harassed and abducted.[117] They also reported that Crimeans who had not applied for Russian citizenship faced harassment and intimidation.[116] Russia said that it did not support the deployment of human rights monitors in Crimea.[117] The (new) Crimean authorities vowed to investigate the reports of human rights violations.[117]

According to Human Rights Watch "Russia has violated multiple obligations it has as an occupying power under international humanitarian law – in particular in relation to the protection of civilians' rights."[118][56]

In its November 2014 report on Crimea, Human Rights Watch stated that "The de facto authorities in Crimea have limited free expression, restricted peaceful assembly, and intimidated and harassed those who have opposed Russia's actions in Crimea".[119] According to the report, 15 persons went missing since March 2014; according to Ukrainian authorities 21 people disappeared.[68] Head of the Republic Sergey Aksyonov pledged to find the missing persons as well as the culprits behind the kidnappings.[68] Aksyonov regularly meets with a group of parents, whose children have gone missing, and human rights activists.[68] These parents and human rights activists have complained that rotation of the team of investigators into these missing persons has harmed these investigations.[68]

Crimean Tatars

Vladimir Putin meeting with representatives of the Crimean Tatars, 16 May 2014

The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People has come under the scrutiny of the Russian Federal Security Service, which reportedly took control of the building where the Mejlis meets and searched it on 16 September 2014. Crimean Tatar media said FSB officers also searched the office of the Avdet newspaper, which is based inside the Mejlis building. Several members of the Mejlis were also reportedly subjected to FSB searches at their homes. Several Crimean Tatar opposition figures were banned from entering Crimea for five years.[120] Since Russia annexed Crimea several Crimean Tatars have disappeared or have been found dead after being reported missing.[121][122][123] Crimean authorities state these deaths and disappearances are connected to "smoking an unspecified substance" and volunteers for the Syrian civil war; human rights activists claim the disappearances are part of a repression campaign against Crimean Tatars.[56][121][122]

In February 2016 human rights defender Emir-Usein Kuku from Crimea was arrested and accused of belonging to the Islamist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, although he denies any involvement in this organization. Amnesty International has called for his immediate liberation.[124][125]

In May 2018, Server Mustafayev, the founder and coordinator of the human rights movement Crimean Solidarity, was imprisoned by Russian authorities and charged with "membership of a terrorist organisation". Amnesty International and Front Line Defenders demand his immediate release.[126][127]

International status

The status of the republic is disputed, as Russia and some other states recognised the annexation, whilst most other nations do not. Ukraine still considers both the Autonomous Republic and Sevastopol as subdivisions of Ukraine under Ukrainian territory and subject to Ukrainian law.

The United States, European Union, and Australia all claim to not issue visas to residents of Crimea with Russian passports.[86][128] However, Russian media has claimed that several member states of the Schengen Area have issued visas to Crimeans with Russian passports.[129][130]

On 21 March 2014, Armenia recognised the Crimean referendum, which led to Ukraine recalling its ambassador to that country.[131] The unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic also recognised the referendum earlier that week on 17 March.[132] On 22 March 2014, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan told a U.S. delegation that he recognised and supported the Crimean referendum and "respects the free will of the people of Crimea and Sevastopol to decide their own future".[133] On 23 March 2014, Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus stated that Crimea was de facto part of Russia, but the country did not officially recognise the Russian claim until November 2021.[134] On 27 March 2014, Nicaragua unconditionally recognised the incorporation of Crimea into Russia.[135]

Results of the United Nations General Assembly vote about the territorial integrity of Ukraine in March 2014. Note that Crimea is shown as part of Ukraine.
  In favour   Against   Abstentions   Absent

On 27 March 2014, the UN General Assembly voted on a non-binding resolution claiming that the referendum was invalid and reaffirming Ukraine's territorial integrity, by a vote of 100 to 11, with 58 abstentions and 24 absent.[136][137] Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States and 89 other countries voted for; Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, North Korea, Nicaragua, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Zimbabwe, as well as Russia, voted against.[citation needed] Among the abstaining countries were China, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Brazil. Israel was among the countries listed as absent.[citation needed] Reuters reported unnamed UN diplomats saying the Russian delegation threatened with punitive action against certain Eastern European and Central Asian countries if they supported the resolution.[138] Subsequent United Nations General Assembly resolutions also reaffirmed non-recognition of the annexation and condemned "the temporary occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine—the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol".[139][140][141]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Sovereignty disputed by Ukraine as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea
  2. ^ /krˈmə, krɪ-/; Russian: Республика Крым, translit. Respublika Krym [rʲɪsˈpublʲɪkə krɨm]; Ukrainian: Республіка Крим, translit. Respublika Krym [resˈpublʲikɐ krɪm]; Crimean Tatar: Къырым Джумхуриети, Qırım Cumhuriyeti

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