2014 Crimean status referendum

Disputed referendum on decision whether to join Russia or remain in Ukraine March 2019 March 2014 right vertical 280 2014 Crimea Referendum Voting.png 2014 Crimean Referendum Russian Soldiers.png Colored dice with checkered background A polling station for the status referendum (top); masked Russian soldiers occupying Crimea during the status referendum (bottom). A disputed referendumhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26606097 Crimea referendum: Voters 'back Russia union' BBC News 16 March 2014https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/disputed-crimea-referendum-sees-96-8-percent-vote-join-russia-n54326 Disputed Crimea Referendum Sees 96.8 Percent Vote to Join Russia NBC News 17 March 2014 concerning the status of Crimea was conducted in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (both subdivisions of Ukraine) on March 16, 2014, after Russian forces seized control of Crimea.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31796226 Putin reveals secrets of Russia's Crimea takeover plot BBC News 9 March 2015 The referendum was a step in the process of Russia annexing Crimea.How Russia Took Crimea https://web.archive.org/web/20210122234515/https://www.businessinsider.com/how-russia-took-crimea-2015-3 January 22, 2021 Macias, Amanda (2015). Business Insider. Retrieved August 1, 2017.Putin Admits Russian Forces Were Deployed to Crimea https://web.archive.org/web/20140419015007/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/04/17/russia-putin-crimea-idUKL6N0N921H20140417 April 19, 2014 Reuters (2014). Retrieved August 1, 2017. The referendum asked voters whether they wanted to rejoin Russia as a federal subject, or if they wanted to restore the 1992 Crimean constitution and Crimea's status as a part of Ukraine. The final date and ballot choices were set only ten days before the referendum was held. Before, during and after the referendum was proclaimed, the Crimean peninsula saw Russian soldiers take over public buildings and Ukrainian military installations. When the referendum was proclaimed, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People called for a boycott of the referendum.March 16, 2014 Tatar leader: referendum's results 'predetermined' http://www.dw.de/tatar-leader-referendums-results-predetermined/a-17500078 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140316232350/http://www.dw.de/tatar-leader-referendums-results-predetermined/a-17500078 March 16, 2014 March 17, 2014 DW.DE The official result from the Autonomous Republic of Crimea was a 97 percent vote for integration of the region into the Russian Federation, with an 83 percent voter turnout, and from Sevastopol there was also a 97 percent vote for integration with Russia, with an 89 percent voter turnout.twp-2014-votes The March 16 referendum's available choices did not include keeping the status quo of Crimea and Sevastopol as they were at the moment the referendum was held. The 1992 constitution accords greater powers to the State Council of Crimea, including full sovereign powers to establish relations with other states; therefore, many Western and Ukrainian commentators argued that both provided referendum choices would result in de facto separation from Ukraine.Saideman Stephen March 12, 2014 In Crimea's sham referendum, all questions lead to 'yes' Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/in-crimeas-sham-referendum-all-questions-lead-to-yes/article17396854/ live August 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151008182021/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/in-crimeas-sham-referendum-all-questions-lead-to-yes/article17396854/ October 8, 2015 "... voters in Crimea next Sunday will be asked whether they support the union of Crimea with Russia (an act of irredentism) or whether Crimea should be independent (secession). There is no alternative – one cannot vote for the status quo ante of remaining within Ukraine."Noah Sneider March 15, 2014 2 Choices in Crimea Referendum, but Neither Is 'No' The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/world/europe/crimea-vote-does-not-offer-choice-of-status-quo.html live February 15, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20140314232139/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/world/europe/crimea-vote-does-not-offer-choice-of-status-quo.html March 14, 2014Oliphant Roland March 16, 2014 Crimeans vote peacefully in referendum, but have little choice The Daily Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10701676/Crimeans-vote-peacefully-in-referendum-but-have-little-choice.html live April 4, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20210309042254/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10701676/Crimeans-vote-peacefully-in-referendum-but-have-little-choice.html March 9, 2021 Following the referendum, the State Council of Crimea and Sevastopol City Council declared the independence of the Republic of Crimea from Ukraine and requested to join the Russian Federation.Crimean parliament formally applies to join Russia https://web.archive.org/web/20200405143454/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26609667 April 5, 2020 , BBC, March 17, 2014 On the same day, Russia recognized the Republic of Crimea as a sovereign state.March 17, 2014 Executive Order on recognising Republic of Crimea http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/page/451 live https://web.archive.org/web/20150508172248/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20596 May 8, 2015 en.kremlin.ruMarch 17, 2017 U.S., EU set sanctions as Putin recognizes Crimea "sovereignty" Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140317 live June 30, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160124003700/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140317 January 24, 2016March 17, 2014 Putin Recognizes Crimea Secession, Defying the West The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russian-officials.html?hp&_r= live February 15, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20210721131838/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russian-officials.html?hp&_r= July 21, 2021 The referendum was illegal under the Constitution of Ukraine. It is not recognized by most countries,The Crimea Crisis – An International Law Perspective https://web.archive.org/web/20201212045930/https://www.mpil.de/files/pdf4/Marxsen_2014_-_The_crimea_crisis_-_an_international_law_perspective.pdf December 12, 2020 Marxsen, Christian (2014). Max-Planck-Institut. Retrieved August 1, 2017. as it was conducted under the auspices of Russian forces. Thirteen members of the United Nations Security Council voted in favor of a resolution declaring the referendum invalid, but Russia vetoed it and China abstained.Security Council Fails to Adopt Text Urging Member States Not to Recognize Planned 16 March Referendum in Ukraine's Crimea Region https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2014/sc11319.doc.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140315213517/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2014/sc11319.doc.htm March 15, 2014 March 17, 2014 Un.orgChappell Bill March 15, 2014 Russia Vetoes U.N. Security Council Resolution On Crimea NPR https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/03/15/290404691/russia-vetoes-u-n-security-council-resolution-on-crimea live March 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140315221831/https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/03/15/290404691/russia-vetoes-u-n-security-council-resolution-on-crimea March 15, 2014 A United Nations General Assembly resolution was later adopted, by a vote of 100 in favor vs. 11 against with 58 abstentions, which declared the referendum invalid and affirmed Ukraine's territorial integrity.March 27, 2014 U.N. General Assembly Affirms Ukraine's Territorial Integrity, Calls The World Community Not To Recognise Change Of Crimea's Status Ukrainian News Agency http://un.ua/eng/article/500959.html dead March 27, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140504093220/http://un.ua/eng/article/500959.html May 4, 2014 mdy-all Background vertical 250 UkraineNativeLanguagesCensus2001detailed-en.png Linguistic map of Ukraine according to the 2001 census, with Russian (in red) dominant in Crimea. Distribution of ethnic groups in Crimea (2001) EN.svg Distribution of ethnicities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (which does not include Sevastopol) according to the 2001 census. Ethnic Russians comprise a majority at 58%.Shishkin Philip March 14, 2014 Fear and Loathing Builds in Crimea Ahead of Vote Wall Street Journal Online.wsj.com https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304185104579439232215134884 live subscription March 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141215223553/http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304185104579439232215134884 December 15, 2014 #0039a6 Russians #ffd500 Ukrainians #7030a0 Tatars (Crimean and other) #007c30 Belarusians #5b9bd5 Other According to the 2001 Ukrainian population census, 58.3% of the population of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea are ethnic Russians, 24.3% are ethnic Ukrainians and 12% are Crimean Tatars. In Sevastopol, 71.6% are ethnic Russians and 22.4% are ethnic Ukrainians.2003 2001 Ukrainian Census http://2001.ukrcensus.gov.ua/eng/results/general/nationality/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20111217151026/http://2001.ukrcensus.gov.ua/eng/results/general/nationality/ December 17, 2011 March 17, 2014 State Statistics Committee of Ukraine 77% of Crimea's and 94% of Sevastopol's population are native speakers of Russian.Said Hashem February 3, 2014 Map: Russian language dominant in Crimea http://america.aljazeera.com/multimedia/2014/3/map-russian-the-dominantlanguageincrimea.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140317052245/http://america.aljazeera.com/multimedia/2014/3/map-russian-the-dominantlanguageincrimea.html March 17, 2014 March 17, 2014 Al Jazeera America Crimea and Sevastopol are neighboring subdivisions of Ukraine located in the Crimean peninsula, a region with a long and complex history.О проведении общекрымского референдума On holding a general Crimean referendum http://www.rada.crimea.ua/act/11689 https://web.archive.org/web/20140309183635/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/act/11689 March 9, 2014 / Верховный Совет Автономной Республики КрымПарламент Криму ухвалив постанову "Про проведення загальнокримського референдуму The Crimean Parliament adopted a resolution "On holding an all-Crimean referendum http://www.rada.crimea.ua/ua/news/06_03_2014_1 https://web.archive.org/web/20150430161455/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/ua/news/06_03_2014_1 April 30, 2015 / Верховна Рада Автономної Республіки Крим Demographically, the region is currently populated by Russian-speaking majorities but with such demographics undergoing dramatic changes for the past 200 years, due in part to the deportation of the Crimean Tatars in 1944.March 11, 2014 Why Crimea is so dangerous BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26367786 live June 21, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180615055542/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26367786 June 15, 2018 Following the Tatar deportation, large numbers of ethnic Russians and ethnic Ukrainians settled in the region.Ostapchuk Victor March 7, 2014 Don't let Russia abuse Crimean history theglobeandmail.com https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/dont-let-russia-abuse-crimean-history/article17357913/ live August 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20150626135419/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/dont-let-russia-abuse-crimean-history/article17357913/ June 26, 2015 History During the period of the Soviet Union, the Crimean Oblast was a subdivision of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic until the 1954 transfer of Crimea into the Ukrainian SSR. Crimea became part of independent Ukraine after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, shortly after Crimea had re-gained its autonomy following a 1991 referendum.Sasse Gwendolyn March 3, 2014 Crimean autonomy: A viable alternative to war? The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/03/crimean-autonomy-a-viable-alternative-to-war/ live March 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150626145150/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/03/crimean-autonomy-a-viable-alternative-to-war/ June 26, 2015 The Ukrainian parliament abolished the 1992 Crimean Constitution17 March 1995 Law of Ukraine No. 93-95/VR "On abrogation of the Constitution and specific acts of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/92/95-%D0%B2%D1%80 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140309205941/http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/92/95-%D0%B2%D1%80 March 9, 2014 March 15, 2014 Zakon4.rada.gov.ua and the office of President of Crimea in 1995.March 19, 1995 Ukraine Moves To Oust Leader of Separatists The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/19/world/ukraine-moves-to-oust-leader-of-separatists.html live March 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140330014936/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/19/world/ukraine-moves-to-oust-leader-of-separatists.html March 30, 2014 In 1998, Crimea gained a new constitution, which granted it less autonomy; notably, any legislation passed by the Crimean parliament could be vetoed by the Ukrainian parliament.Official results: 97 percent of Crimea voters back joining Russia https://www.cbsnews.com/news/official-results-97-of-crimea-voters-back-joining-russia/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210224133404/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/official-results-97-of-crimea-voters-back-joining-russia/ February 24, 2021 January 12, 2020 CBS News March 17, 2014 Polling prior to Russian occupation Polling in 2008 by the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies, also called the Razumkov Centre, found that a majority of Crimeans simultaneously approved the idea of joining Russia (63.8%), while also supporting the idea of remaining within Ukraine if Crimea was given greater autonomy (53.8%). Razumkov concluded that "the desired status of Crimea remains undecided by its residents. In their approaches, Crimeans reveal confusion, as they sometimes support mutually excluding alternatives... That is, half of Crimeans may, dependent on circumstances, support both secession of Crimea from Ukraine and an opposite scenario."PROSPECTS OF CRIMEA: REGIONAL STATUS http://www.razumkov.org.ua/eng/files/category_journal/NSD104_eng_2.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160420233809/http://razumkov.org.ua/eng/files/category_journal/NSD104_eng.pdf April 20, 2016 February 10, 2024 mdy-all In contrast, the Kyiv Post polling found that from 2008–11, there was a rise of respondents who defined Ukraine as their "motherland" to increase from 32% to 71%.April 11, 2011 Poll: Most Crimean residents consider Ukraine their motherland https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/poll-most-crimean-residents-consider-ukraine-their-102113.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20120611192637/https://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/102113/ June 11, 2012 February 20, 2022 KyivPost The United Nations Development Programme conducted a series of polls in Crimea between 2009 and 2011 about the status of Crimea and the question of leaving Ukraine and joining Russia with a sample size of 1,200: +If a referendum was held on the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to Russia, how would you vote? Quarter YesNo Undecided2009 Q3http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/file/monitoring_ru_2009_10-12.pdf ru:Квартальный мониторинговый отчёт. Социально-экономическое положение Крыма. Октябрь-декабрь 2009 Quarterly Monitoring Report: Socio-economic status of the Crimea. October–December 2009 ru United Nations Development Programme, Ukraine 2009 April 30, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140502000238/http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/file/monitoring_ru_2009_10-12.pdf May 2, 2014 4570%14%16%2009 Q467%15%18%2010 Q1http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/file/monitoring_ru_2010_10-12.pdf ru:Квартальный мониторинговый отчёт. Социально-экономическое положение Крыма. Октябрь-декабрь 2010 Quarterly Monitoring Report: Socio-economic status of Crimea. October–December 2010 ru United Nations Development Programme, Ukraine 2010 April 30, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140415042714/http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/file/monitoring_ru_2010_10-12.pdf April 15, 2014 6266%14%20%2010 Q265%12%23%2010 Q367%11%22%2010 Q466%9%25%2011 Q4http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/Strategy%20Implementation%20Monitoring%20Report%20(October%20to%20December%202011)(5).pdf ru:Отчёт о мониторинге социально-экономической ситуации в контексте реализации Стратегии экономического и социального развития АР Крым на 2011–2020 гг. Октябрь-декабрь 2011 г. Report on monitoring the social and economic situation in the context of the implementation of the Strategy for Economic and Social Development of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea for 2011–2020. October–December 2011 ru United Nations Development Programme 2011 April 30, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005021/http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/Strategy%20Implementation%20Monitoring%20Report%20%28October%20to%20December%202011%29%285%29.pdf May 2, 2014 1865.6%14.2%20.2% + There are different opinions about what status would be optimal for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Which of the options below most closely matches your views? In your opinion, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea should ... Quarter Become part of the Russian Federation Become an independent state Stay in Ukraine with greater autonomyStay in Ukraine with the same level of autonomy Stay in Ukraine with reduced autonomyBecome a normal region of UkraineBecome a region under the direct control of the presidentUndecided2009 Q346%9%24%9%0%6%0%6%2009 Q443%10%24%9%0%7%1%6%2010 Q144%10%24%9%0%7%0%6%2010 Q242%10%24%9%0%6%0%7%2010 Q348%8%24%9%0%6%0%5%2010 Q445%7%28%9%0%5%0%6%2011 Q441%11%19.1%12.4%0.1%6.1%2%8.3% A poll by the International Republican Institute in May 2013 found that 53% wanted "Autonomy in Ukraine (as today)", 12% were for "Crimean Tatar autonomy within Ukraine", 2% for "Common oblast of Ukraine", and 23% voted for "Crimea should be separated and given to Russia".http://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2013%20October%207%20Survey%20of%20Crimean%20Public%20Opinion,%20May%2016-30,%202013.pdf Public Opinion Survey Residents of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea May 16 – 30, 2013 International Republican Institute 17 March 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010120516/http://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2013%20October%207%20Survey%20of%20Crimean%20Public%20Opinion,%20May%2016-30,%202013.pdf October 10, 2017 live A poll conducted in Crimea in 2013 by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 35.9% of Crimeans support the unification of the entirety of Ukraine with Russia.Динаміка ставлення населення України до Росії та населення Росії до України, яких відносин з Росією хотіли б українці https://web.archive.org/web/20171223055352/http://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=eng&cat=reports&id=236&page=1 December 23, 2017 (March 4, 2014). Kyiv International Institute of Sociology The poll was repeated between February 8 – 18, 2014 (just days before the ousting of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych), with the amount of those wishing to join Ukraine and Russia rising to then 41%. Pre-referendum 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea thumb|250px|Request made in Russian language by the Ukrainian Council of Ministers of Crimea to the Ukrainian 55th Anti-Aircraft Artillery regiment in Yevpatoria to lay down arms under control of the Russian Black Sea Fleet for the period of the referendum. On February 27, 2014, amidst tensions in the region due to the Ukrainian revolution, Russian forces cut the Crimean Peninsula off from mainland Ukraine and took over the Supreme Council of Crimea. The Crimean regional government was dissolved and reconstituted under Russian supervision, and voted to hold a referendum on the status of Crimea on May 25.February 28, 2014 Conflict fears rise after pro-Russian gunmen seize Crimean parliament The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/ukraine-crimea-russia-secession live December 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20170213004910/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/ukraine-crimea-russia-secession February 13, 2017 Harriet Salem Shaun Walker Luke Harding While 64 members of the 100 member legislature were registered as present during the votes, the actual number of members present at the time is unclear due to armed occupation of the parliament building.February 27, 2014 Number of Crimean deputies present at referendum resolution vote unclear http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193292.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20150626153118/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193292.html June 26, 2015 March 9, 2014 Interfax-Ukraine Russian militia commander Igor Girkin recounted that his squad "collected" the deputies into the chambers, and had to "forcibly drive them to vote".2015-01-22 И.Стрелков vs Н.Стариков "ЦЕНТРСИЛЫ / СИЛАЦЕНТРА" I. Strelkov vs N. Starikov debate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G04tXnvKx8Y 2015-01-25 Neuromir TVRussian FSB colonel Igor Girkin (alias Strelkov): "The Crimea referendum was a fake". I. Strelkov vs N. Starikov debate. Neuromir TV. 2015-01-22. Enver Abduraimov, member of the parliament presidium, said that he did not go inside when he saw that armed guards who secured the building were confiscating all communications devices from deputies. Andriy Krysko, head of the Crimean branch of the Voters Committee of Ukraine, announced that no one from the parliament secretariat was in the building when voting took place. The referendum was to be about the status of Crimea within Ukraine and was set for May 25, but later, on March 1, it was moved up to March 30.Sergei L. Loiko March 1, 2014 New Crimea leaders move up referendum date Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-crimea-referendum-date-20140301,0,2305350.story live March 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140301134552/http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-crimea-referendum-date-20140301,0,2305350.story March 1, 2014 KIEV, Ukraine – Crimea's new pro-Moscow premier, Sergei Aksenov, moved the date of the peninsula's status referendum to March 30. On Thursday, the Crimean parliament, which appointed Aksenov, had called for a referendum on May 25, the date also set for the urgent presidential election in Ukraine. The referendum was approved by the Supreme Council of Crimea in February but the Central Election Commission of Ukraine denounced it by stating that the Crimean authorities do not possess the legal jurisdiction to conduct it.TsVK says that it is not possible to conduct the Crimean referendum http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/27/7016542/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140228102753/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/27/7016542/ February 28, 2014 February 27, 2014 Ukrayinska Pravda uk Regarding the referendum's initial purpose, The Daily Telegraph reported on February 27, that it, "appears to be for greater autonomy within Ukraine rather than for full independence."Merat Arron February 27, 2014 Ukraine crisis: Ukraine searches for missing billions The Daily Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10664833/Ukraine-crisis-Ukraine-searches-for-missing-billions.html live April 4, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180316154935/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10664833/Ukraine-crisis-Ukraine-searches-for-missing-billions.html March 16, 2018 On March 4, the district administration court of Kyiv nullified the no confidence vote in the Council of Ministers of Crimea and the appointment of Sergey Aksyonov as Prime Minister of Crimea and declared the organization and conduct of the referendum as illegal.The Court reversed the decision of the puppets of the Kremlin in the Crimea https://web.archive.org/web/20140306153504/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/4/7017611/ March 6, 2014 . Ukrayinska Pravda. March 4, 2014webstudio TAC Ukrainian Journal http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=18138 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140318002032/http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=18138 March 18, 2014 March 17, 2014 ukrainianjournal.com On March 6, the Supreme Council changed the date of the referendum from March 30 to 16 and changed the choice for the referendum from greater autonomy to accession to the Russian Federation. This decision was made with 78 votes in favor and 8 abstentions.Braden Goyette March 6, 2014 Crimea Referendum Vote On Joining Russia Scheduled For March 16 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/06/crimea-referendum-russia_n_4910096.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140311205305/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/06/crimea-referendum-russia_n_4910096.html March 11, 2014 March 15, 2014 Huffington Post Concerns were raised about the presence of armed forces outside the parliament and reports of lawmakers being denied access to the vote.March 6, 2014 'There Was No Quorum': Crimean Lawmaker Calls Vote To Join Russia Flawed https://www.rferl.org/a/interview-crimea-vote-ukraine-russia/25288146.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140309112801/http://www.rferl.org/content/interview-crimea-vote-ukraine-russia/25288146.html March 9, 2014 March 15, 2014 Rferl.orgMarch 8, 2014 Kırım vekilleri Rusya'ya katılmak için oy kullandıklarını bilmiyordu – Kırım Haber Ajansı Crimean MPs didn't know they were voting to join Russia – Crimea News Agency http://qha.com.ua/kirim-vekilleri-rusya-ya-katilmak-icin-oy-kullandiklarini-bilmiyordu-131159tr.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140309113346/http://qha.com.ua/kirim-vekilleri-rusya-ya-katilmak-icin-oy-kullandiklarini-bilmiyordu-131159tr.html March 9, 2014 March 15, 2014 Qha.com.ua Later that day, acting President Turchynov announced "In accordance with power I am conferred on, I have stopped the decision of the Crimean parliament. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will initiate dissolution of the parliament of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. We will defend the inviolability of the Ukrainian territory." On 14 March, the referendum was deemed unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine,КС признал неконституционным постановление о проведении референдума в Крыму – Видео March 14, 2014 The Constitutional Court declared unconstitutional the decision to hold a referendum in Crimea – Video http://24tv.ua/ru/ks_priznal_nekonstitutsionnim_postanovlenie_o_provedenii_referenduma_v_krimu_n420886 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160204201723/http://24tv.ua/ru/ks_priznal_nekonstitutsionnim_postanovlenie_o_provedenii_referenduma_v_krimu_n420886 February 4, 2016 September 25, 2021 and a day later, the Verkhovna Rada formally dissolved the Crimean parliament.15 March 2014 uk:Про дострокове припинення повноважень Верховної Ради Автономної Республіки Крим On the dissolution of the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/891-18 live https://web.archive.org/web/20171210200951/http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/891-18 December 10, 2017 October 3, 2021 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine uk The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People had called for a boycott of the referendum. Several hundred residents of Crimea, mainly Crimean Tatars, left Crimea for security reasons according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.March 10, 2014 Ukrainian State Border Guard Service personnel keep performing tasks on enforcing border protection of South, East and West Ukrainian border http://dpsu.gov.ua/en/about/news/news_3533.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140310230456/http://dpsu.gov.ua/en/about/news/news_3533.htm March 10, 2014 March 15, 2014 State Border Guard Service of UkraineMarch 11, 2014 Crimean Tatars face tough choice: dig in, or flee Kyiv Post http://www.kyivpost.com/multimedia/photo/tatar-self-defense-339029.html live March 11, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140312012935/http://www.kyivpost.com/multimedia/photo/tatar-self-defense-339029.html March 12, 2014 The BBC reported that most of the Crimean Tatars that they interviewed were boycotting the vote.16 March 2014 Crimea referendum: Voters 'back Russia union' BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26606097 Administration Choices thumb|A ballot for voting on referendum written in three languages: Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar There were two choices to choose from on the ballot. Voters were able to choose only one of these.Official voting bulletin http://www.rada.crimea.ua/textdoc/ru/6/act/1702pr.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20140316100339/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/textdoc/ru/6/act/1702pr.pdf March 16, 2014 March 15, 2014 The choices reflected the following stances:Provisional regulations on republican (local) referendum in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea http://www.rada.crimea.ua/textdoc/ru/6/act/1702pr2.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20140418205506/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/textdoc/ru/6/act/1702pr2.pdf April 18, 2014 March 7, 2014 rada.crimea.uaMarch 6, 2014 Ukraine crisis: Crimea parliament asks to join Russia BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962 live March 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20200405143452/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962 April 5, 2020 Choice 1: Do you support the reunification of Crimea with Russia with all the rights of a federal subject of the Russian Federation? Choice 2: Do you support the restoration of the Constitution of the Republic of Crimea in 1992 and the status of the Crimea as part of Ukraine?March 8, 2014 При воссоединении с Россией крымчане дискомфорта не почувствуют! When reuniting with Russia, the Crimeans will not feel any discomfort! http://www.kryminfo.net/pri-vossoedinenii-s-osiyey-krymchane-diskomforta-ne-pochustvuyut/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140323134153/http://www.kryminfo.net/pri-vossoedinenii-s-osiyey-krymchane-diskomforta-ne-pochustvuyut/ March 23, 2014 March 23, 2014 kryminfo.net The referendum's available choices did not include keeping the status quo of retaining arrangements enacted by the 1998 Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Additionally, the meaning of the second choice is unclear because there were two revisions of the Crimean constitution in 1992.March 6, 2014 Парламент Крыма принял постановление "О проведении общекрымского референдума" The Crimean Parliament adopted a resolution "On holding an all-Crimean referendum" http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/06_03_2014_1 https://web.archive.org/web/20140306131903/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/06_03_2014_1 March 6, 2014 Пресс-центр Верховного Совета АРК (Press center of the Supreme Council of ARC)Верховный Совет Автономной Республики Крым Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea http://referendum2014.ru/upload/iblock/452/4524db18d1f0f476965564be3be08a2e.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140313095449/http://referendum2014.ru/upload/iblock/452/4524db18d1f0f476965564be3be08a2e.htm March 13, 2014 March 15, 2014 Referendum2014.ru mdy-all The original 1992 constitution was adopted together with a declaration of independence, but the parliament then amended the constitution one day later to affirm that Crimea "was a part of Ukraine".kolsto-edemsky-1995 Kolstø; Edemsky (1995) "On 5 May 1992 the Crimean parliament adopted a constitution plus a Declaration of Independence. [...] However, on the very next day, the parliament inserted a new sentence into the new constitution to the effect that the Crimean republic [was] a constituent part of the Ukrainian republic." p. 194Kolstø Pål https://archive.org/details/russiansinformer0000kols Russians in the Former Soviet Republics Edemsky Andrei C. Hurst & Co. Publishers 1995 978-1-85065-206-9 194 26 February 1992 Crimean constitution. registrationConstitution of Crimea (May 6, 1992; in Russian) Article 9 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200522/http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/krym/show/rb076a002-92/ed19920506 March 4, 2016 . "The Republic of Crimea is a part of Ukraine and establishes relations with it on a basis of treaty and contracts." Retrieved on March 15, 2014. Many commentators, including those at The New York Times, Kyiv Post, and Fox News, argued that both choices would result in de facto independence.Saideman Stephen March 12, 2014 In Crimea's sham referendum, all questions lead to 'yes' Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/in-crimeas-sham-referendum-all-questions-lead-to-yes/article17396854/ live August 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20151008182021/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/in-crimeas-sham-referendum-all-questions-lead-to-yes/article17396854/ October 8, 2015 "...voters in Crimea next Sunday will be asked whether they support the union of Crimea with Russia (an act of irredentism) or whether Crimea should be independent (secession). There is no alternative – one cannot vote for the status quo ante of remaining within Ukraine."March 7, 2014 Two choices in Crimean referendum: yes and yes Kyiv Post http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/two-choices-in-crimean-referendum-yes-and-yes-338745.html live March 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140310153324/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/two-choices-in-crimean-referendum-yes-and-yes-338745.html March 10, 2014March 11, 2014 Crimea parliament vote offers two choices on Russia – join now or later https://www.foxnews.com/world/crimea-parliament-vote-offers-two-choices-on-russia-join-now-or-later/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140315045639/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/03/11/ousted-ukraine-president-yanukovych-says-extremists-hold-power-in-ukraine/ March 15, 2014 March 15, 2014 Fox NewsMurphy Dan Russia Was Prepared To Take Crimea For Years Business Insider http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-was-prepared-to-take-crimea-for-years-2014-3 live March 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140313014255/http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-was-prepared-to-take-crimea-for-years-2014-3 March 13, 2014 "Voters are being given a choice between independence or unification with Russia" The ballot was printed in three languages: Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar (in the Cyrillic script).March 7, 2014 ru:Бюллетени всекрымского референдума напечатают на трех языках Крымское информационное агентство http://www.kianews.com.ua/news/byulleteni-vsekrymskogo-referenduma-napechatayut-na-treh-yazykah live https://web.archive.org/web/20140307164940/http://www.kianews.com.ua/news/byulleteni-vsekrymskogo-referenduma-napechatayut-na-treh-yazykah March 7, 2014 March 7, 2014 Kianews.com.ua ru Procedure There were two simultaneous referendums, one organised by the Sevastopol City CouncilMarch 2014 and another organised by a special committeeMarch 2014 set up by the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Several irregularities were reported during the vote. People were seen dropping the ballots before the start of the referendum. Journalists were not allowed at some stations.Possible irregularities seen in Crimea referendum – Yahoo News https://news.yahoo.com/possible-irregularities-seen-crimea-referendum-140150253.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140322044101/http://news.yahoo.com/possible-irregularities-seen-crimea-referendum-140150253.html March 22, 2014 January 14, 2017 The referendum was to be decided by a simple majority with the choice with the most votes declared winner.Crimean Parliament (2014; in Russian) "Вопрос, получивший большинство голосов, считается выражающим прямое волеизъявление населения Крыма." The referendum rules did not state if there was a threshold number of votes needed for the result to be enacted.Is Crimea's referendum legal? https://web.archive.org/web/20180622122649/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26546133 June 22, 2018 , BBC News (March 13, 2014) Legal aspects President of Russia Vladimir Putin during his conversation with Mustafa Dzhemilev, a former chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, stated that Ukrainian Independence from the Soviet Union was not obtained legitimately,March 12, 2014 Джемилев: Путин заявил о незаконном выходе Украины из состава СССР Dzhemilev: Putin announced the illegal withdrawal of Ukraine from the USSR RosBalt http://www.rosbalt.ru/ukraina/2014/03/12/1243344.html live March 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140313053802/http://www.rosbalt.ru/ukraina/2014/03/12/1243344.html March 13, 2014The Constitution of the Soviet Union did give the Republics of the Soviet Union the right to secede.State-Building in Russia: The Yeltsin Legacy and the Challenge of the Future https://web.archive.org/web/20160505154407/https://books.google.com/books?id=nptwWeErELUC&pg=PA67&dq=right+to+secede+USSR+constitution&hl=nl&sa=X&ei=GJwjU66fCcqR0AXfzoCABA&ved=0CE0Q6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=right%20to%20secede%20USSR%20constitution&f=false May 5, 2016 by Gordon B. Smith, M. E. Sharpe, 1999, 0-7656-0276-8 (page 67) while maintaining that the Crimean referendum followed all international-law, the UN charter, and the convention established by Kosovo's NATO-prodded annexation from Serbia.Putin: referendum in Crimea fully complied with international law norms http://tass.ru/en/russia/723846 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160825170449/http://tass.ru/en/russia/723846 August 25, 2016 July 14, 2016 Russia and the Crimean parliament argue that the referendum is legal, citing the UN recognized right of self-determination and the advisory opinion on Kosovo in which the International Court of Justice declared that international law contains no prohibition against declarations of independence.Tanner Adam Stevenson Reed July 22, 2010 Kosovo independence declaration deemed legal Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66L01720100722 live August 3, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100729011833/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66L01720100722 July 29, 2010 Legal scholars have disputed the validity of the Kosovo analogy.Why the Crimean Referendum Is Illegitimate http://www.cfr.org/ukraine/why-crimean-referendum-illegitimate/p32594 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140321035641/http://www.cfr.org/ukraine/why-crimean-referendum-illegitimate/p32594 March 21, 2014 March 17, 2014 cfr.orgExperts: Crimea isn't comparable to Kosovo http://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/302263--experts-crimea-isnt-comparable-to-kosovo live https://web.archive.org/web/20140317224438/http://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/302263--experts-crimea-isnt-comparable-to-kosovo March 17, 2014 March 17, 2014 aa.com.trWeller Marc Marc Weller (Professor) March 7, 2014 Analysis: Why Russia's Crimea move fails legal test https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26481423 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140311235602/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26481423 March 11, 2014 March 12, 2014 BBC News Organizing and holding the referendum on Crimea's accession to Russia was illegal under the Constitution of Ukraine.Marxsen Christian 17 April 2014 The Crimea Crisis – An International Law Perspective https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2520530 live 2520530 https://web.archive.org/web/20210925174058/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2520530 September 25, 2021 7 November 2014 Heidelberg Journal of International Law According to article 73 of the 1996 Constitution of UkraineКонституція України Constitution of Ukraine https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2%D1%80 live https://web.archive.org/web/20220304003013/https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2%D1%80 March 4, 2022 February 22, 2022 Офіційний вебпортал парламенту України and article 3 of the 2012 Ukrainian law "On all-Ukrainian referendum", territorial changes can only be approved via a referendum where all the citizens of Ukraine are allowed to vote, including those that do not reside in Crimea.November 28, 2012 Закон України "Про всеукраїнський референдум" Law of Ukraine "On All-Ukrainian Referendum" http://search.ligazakon.ua/l_doc2.nsf/link1/T125475.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140322032740/http://search.ligazakon.ua/l_doc2.nsf/link1/T125475.html March 22, 2014 March 15, 2014 Search.ligazakon.ua The Central Election Commission of Ukraine also stated that there are no judicial possibilities, according to the legislation of Ukraine, to initiate such changes.ЦВК наголошує, що місцевий референдум в Криму неможливий https://web.archive.org/web/20180922131951/https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/3/7017317/ September 22, 2018  — Українська правда (3 березня 2014)March 1, 2014 Yanukovych's removal was unconstitutional https://gpforecasts.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/yanukovychs-removal-was-unconstitutional/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20160910211834/https://gpforecasts.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/yanukovychs-removal-was-unconstitutional/ September 10, 2016 July 12, 2016 GeoPolitical Forecasts Both of the ballot options for the March 16, 2014 Crimean referendum acknowledged that Crimea was already an independent state at that time,March 10, 2014 Crimea referendum: What does the ballot paper say? – BBC News en-GB BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26514797 live July 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160527024836/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26514797 May 27, 2016 despite the declaration of independence occurring without a national vote in Ukraine, as the constitutions required. The interim Ukrainian government, the European Union, and several other bodies stated that any referendum held by the local government of Crimea without the express authority of Ukraine is unconstitutional and illegitimate. The interim government in Kyiv and the pro-Russian Crimean faction did not recognize each other as legitimate.March 6, 2014 Mejlis to boycott Crimean referendum http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/mejlis_to_boycott_crimean_referendum_318219 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140317215837/http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/mejlis_to_boycott_crimean_referendum_318219 March 17, 2014 March 15, 2014 Ukrinform.uaMarch 6, 2014 Ukraine crisis: Crimea MPs vote to join Russia BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962 live March 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20200405143452/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962 April 5, 2020 Additionally, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People—the unofficial political association of the Crimean Tatars—called for a boycott of the referendum.Bell Yvonne March 10, 2014 Russia 'will fix' Crimea referendum, says Tatar leader https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-referendum-tatars-idUSBREA291BT20140310 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160310202149/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-referendum-tatars-idUSBREA291BT20140310 March 10, 2016 March 17, 2014 Reuters The Venice Commission declared that the referendum was illegal under both Ukrainian and Crimean Constitutions, and violated international standards and norms.March 21, 2014 Venice Commission. CDL-AD(2014)002 http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD%282014%29002-e live https://web.archive.org/web/20140403033809/http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2014)002-e April 3, 2014 April 10, 2014 The Venice Commission stressed that self-determination was to be understood primarily as internal self-determination within the framework of the existing borders and not as external self-determination through secession. Moreover, the Venice Commission opined, any referendum on the status of a territory should have been preceded by serious negotiations among all stakeholders, and that such negotiations did not take place. Many scholars and politicians (Neil Melvin, Robert McCorquodale, John Kerry, John B. Bellinger III, Marc Weller among others) have stated that the referendum was conducted under the cover of assault rifles and, thus, the result was obtained through violence.August 21, 2013 Укрінформ: Тимошенко: Референдум про статус Криму під дулами автоматів є нелегітимним Ukrinform: Tymoshenko: Referendum on the status of Crimea under the barrels of machine guns is illegitimate http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/timoshenko_referendum_pro_status_krimu_pid_dulami_avtomativ_e__nelegitimnim_1915295 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140328162405/http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/timoshenko_referendum_pro_status_krimu_pid_dulami_avtomativ_e__nelegitimnim_1915295 March 28, 2014 March 15, 2014 Ukrinform.ua Party of Regions MP Yuriy Miroshnychenko claimed on March 11 that "the Crimean referendum is illegitimate, and its holding must be immediately stopped".March 11, 2014 Party of Regions must stop Crimean referendum – Miroshnychenko http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/party_of_regions_must_stop_crimean_referendum___miroshnychenko_318414 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140327005413/http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/party_of_regions_must_stop_crimean_referendum___miroshnychenko_318414 March 27, 2014 March 15, 2014 Ukrinform.ua Another Party of Regions MP, Hanna Herman, commented the same day about Yanukovych's press conference, "He needs to ... prevent the illegal referendum".March 11, 2014 Yanukovych's speech in Rostov looked pathetic – Herman http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/yanukovychs_speech_in_rostov_looked_pathetic___herman_318404 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140327005420/http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/yanukovychs_speech_in_rostov_looked_pathetic___herman_318404 March 27, 2014 March 15, 2014 Ukrinform.ua Campaign According to BBC News the campaign leading up to the referendum was "almost entirely pro-Russian". Pro-Russia election posters often featured crossed-out swastikas in an alleged attempt to be saying "No" to the Ukrainian government, whom they alleged to be neo-Nazis. Shortly after the referendum was called, Ukrainian TV channels were made unavailable for Crimean viewers, some of them were replaced with Russian stations. BBC News also stated it had received reports of violence against pro-Ukrainian activists. Unsigned billboards and leaflets campaigning for the referendum, describing new Ukraine government as fascists and showing economic reasons to join Russia, appeared throughout Crimea.March 10, 2014 Crimea Poster http://www.businessinsider.com/crimea-poster-2014-3 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140313083515/http://www.businessinsider.com/crimea-poster-2014-3 March 13, 2014 March 15, 2014 Business InsiderMarch 10, 2014 Twitter / MareikeAden: Now saw this with own eyes https://twitter.com/MareikeAden/status/443056540241895424/photo/1 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140322220230/https://twitter.com/MareikeAden/status/443056540241895424/photo/1 March 22, 2014 March 15, 2014 Twitter.comMarch 10, 2014 Twitter / ru_rbc: Вы хотите Twitter / ru_rbc: You want https://twitter.com/ru_rbc/status/443266001707081728/photo/1 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140323115836/https://twitter.com/ru_rbc/status/443266001707081728/photo/1 March 23, 2014 March 15, 2014 Twitter.com Observers OSCE and UN absence On March 10, 2014 the de facto Prime Minister of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, made an unofficial verbal invitation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the plebiscite.March 11, 2014 OSCE observers weren't officially invited to Crimean referendum – Crimean authorities http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/195291.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140311194324/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/195291.html March 11, 2014 March 15, 2014 En.interfax.com.uaMarch 10, 2014 Crimea invites OSCE observers for referendum on joining Russia Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-referendum-osce-idUSL6N0M73AP20140310 live March 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085349/http://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-referendum-osce-idUSL6N0M73AP20140310 March 4, 2016 However, later in the day, an OSCE spokeswoman said that Crimea did not have the authority to invite the organization into the region as it is not a fully-fledged state and, therefore, incapable of requesting services provided exclusively to OSCE members. OSCE personnel already in Crimea were asked to leave by the pro-Russian authorities. On March 11, the OSCE chair, Switzerland's Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, declared the referendum as unconstitutional and therefore the OSCE would not send observers.Firstpost March 12, 2014 Crimea referendum illegal, no OSCE monitoring – Swiss http://www.firstpost.com/world/crimea-referendum-illegal-no-osce-monitoring-swiss-1429931.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20150924162618/http://www.firstpost.com/world/crimea-referendum-illegal-no-osce-monitoring-swiss-1429931.html September 24, 2015 March 15, 2014 Firstpost OSCE military observers attempted to enter the region four times but were turned away, sometimes after warning shots were fired,March 15, 2014 Thwarted Crimea mission of OSCE observers http://www.euronews.com/2014/03/15/thwarted-crimea-mission-of-osce-observers/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140320191913/http://www.euronews.com/2014/03/15/thwarted-crimea-mission-of-osce-observers/ March 20, 2014 March 20, 2014 euronews.comMarch 8, 2014 Warning shots fired as OSCE mission turned away from Crimea https://www.reuters.com/article/us-osce-shots-idUSBREA270HJ20140308 live https://web.archive.org/web/20171020001505/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-osce-shots-idUSBREA270HJ20140308 October 20, 2017 June 30, 2017 Reuters which was another reason givenMarch 2023 for not dispatching referendum observers.Sandra Štefaniková March 19, 2014 Politici jeli na Krym s extremisty. Bylo to narychlo, říkají Politicians went to Crimea with extremists. It was hurried, they say http://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/ani-pusky-ani-natlak-jak-cesti-politici-dohlizeli-na-krymu/r~d5764000aee911e3a322002590604f2e/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140320143610/http://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/ani-pusky-ani-natlak-jak-cesti-politici-dohlizeli-na-krymu/r~d5764000aee911e3a322002590604f2e/ March 20, 2014 March 20, 2014 Aktuálně.cz OSCE also published a report about their observations which "produced significant evidence of equipment consistent with the presence of Russian Federation military personnel in the vicinity of the various roadblocks encountered".March 12, 2014 OSCE team says Crimea gunmen threatened to shoot at them http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/130864/us-sees-russian-role-in-blocking-osces-crimea-mission usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20140312225303/http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/130864/us-sees-russian-role-in-blocking-osces-crimea-mission March 12, 2014 March 15, 2014 Worldbulletin.net The UN Human Rights Envoy Ivan Šimonović had to cancel his trip to Crimea as the current situation did not permit his travel. He intended to observe the human rights situation which was Russia's explanation for its engagement in Crimea.March 11, 2014 UN Human Rights Envoy In Ukraine Unable To Reach CrimeaTalk Radio News Service http://www.talkradionews.com/united-nations/2014/03/11/un-envoy-ukraine-unable-to-reach-crimea.html#.UyDDk84oPNo dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140315041653/http://www.talkradionews.com/united-nations/2014/03/11/un-envoy-ukraine-unable-to-reach-crimea.html#.UyDDk84oPNo March 15, 2014 March 15, 2014 Talkradionews.com mdy-all Reports from the UN criticised the circumstances surrounding the referendum, especially the presence of paramilitaries, self-defence groups and unidentifiable soldiers.11 March 2014 UN report on Euronews – 15 April 2014 http://euronews.com/2014/04/15/un-on-human-rights-in-ukraine-stop-lies-propaganda-and-inciting-hatred/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140416200706/http://euronews.com/2014/04/15/un-on-human-rights-in-ukraine-stop-lies-propaganda-and-inciting-hatred/ 16 April 2014 16 April 2014 Euronews Non-OSCE observers Russian-controlled media and referendum organizers said that from nearly 70December 2020 to 135December 2020 international observers monitored the referendum without reporting any violations,December 2020 but the objectivity of these has been questioned, because many of them had ties to far-right extremist groups.March 19, 2014 Crimea's Technically Flawed Referendum http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-l-phillips/crimeas-technically-flawe_b_4992908.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140606170823/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-l-phillips/crimeas-technically-flawe_b_4992908.html June 6, 2014 March 21, 2014 The Huffington PostHanly Ken March 22, 2014 Op-Ed: The Crimea referendum and International observers 'yes' www.digitaljournal.com http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/politics/op-ed-the-crimea-referendum-and-international-observers/article/377812 live March 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140610202454/http://digitaljournal.com/news/politics/op-ed-the-crimea-referendum-and-international-observers/article/377812 June 10, 2014 "At least many of the monitors were no doubt biased"Jefim Fištejn March 20, 2014 KOMENTÁŘ: Děsivá pohádka o referendu a "Putinových" pozorovatelích COMMENT: A scary tale about the referendum and "Putin's" observers http://zpravy.idnes.cz/komentar-jefima-fistejna-k-rusku-krymu-a-ukrajine-fvc-/zahranicni.aspx?c=A140320_2047226_domaci_jw live https://web.archive.org/web/20140325004534/http://zpravy.idnes.cz/komentar-jefima-fistejna-k-rusku-krymu-a-ukrajine-fvc-/zahranicni.aspx?c=A140320_2047226_domaci_jw March 25, 2014 March 25, 2014 zpravy.idnes.cz iDNES.cz According to Yale University historian Timothy Snyder, the Russian government invited individuals belonging to European far-right, anti-semitic and neo-Nazi parties to serve as observers.Snyder, Timothy March 2014 Far-Right Forces are Influencing Russia's Actions in Crimea https://newrepublic.com/article/117048/crimean-referendum-was-electoral-farce live The New Republic https://web.archive.org/web/20140317211808/http://www.newrepublic.com/article/117048/crimean-referendum-was-electoral-farce March 17, 2014 March 6, 2017 At least some of the international observers were managed and financed by the Eurasian Observatory for Democracy & Elections (EODE),spa (Šárka Pálková) March 20, 2014 Berkovcova mise na Krym. Tají organizátora i financování Berkovec's mission in Crimea. They hide the organizer and the financing http://www.lidovky.cz/berkovcova-mise-na-krym-mlzil-o-nazvu-organizatora-i-financovani-phh-/zpravy-domov.aspx?c=A140319_171408_ln_domov_spa live https://web.archive.org/web/20140322140013/http://www.lidovky.cz/berkovcova-mise-na-krym-mlzil-o-nazvu-organizatora-i-financovani-phh-/zpravy-domov.aspx?c=A140319_171408_ln_domov_spa March 22, 2014 March 22, 2014 Lidovky.cz a far-right, NGO international election-monitoring organization.Orenstein Mitchell March 25, 2014 Putin's Western Allies. Why Europe's Far Right Is on the Kremlin's Side https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russia-fsu/2014-03-25/putins-western-allies live Foreign Affairs subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20161104131333/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russia-fsu/2014-03-25/putins-western-allies November 4, 2016 September 14, 2016 Shaun Walker from The Guardian reported that during a press conference on the eve of the referendum, some of the aforementioned observers "went on political rants against U.S. hegemony in the world", describing the press conference as "rather bizarre".Urquhat; Williamson; Nelid (2014) "[Walker has] just come back from a rather bizarre "press conference" of international observers for the referendum. It was 45 minutes before there were any questions, as the six people present mainly went on political rants against US hegemony in the world."Conal Urquhart Lewis Williamson Barry Neild March 15, 2014 Russia vetoes Crimea motion as Kiev claims it repelled Russian troops in south Ukraine https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/15/ukraine-crisis-fatal-clashes-as-tensions-rise-before-crimea-vote-live live https://web.archive.org/web/20140317075755/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/15/ukraine-crisis-fatal-clashes-as-tensions-rise-before-crimea-vote-live March 17, 2014 March 17, 2014 The Guardian Exit-polls were allowed only for the Republican Institute of Sociological Research since, according to Russia-24, no other organizations have applied for accreditation for exit polls.March 15, 2014 Вести.Ru: Власти Крыма: референдум – законное право народа Vesti.Ru: Crimean authorities: referendum is the legal right of the people http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=1378380 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140317151733/http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=1378380 March 17, 2014 March 17, 2014 Vesti.ru Allegations of fraud A Russian journalist claimed that she was allowed to vote even after admitting she was a Russian citizen with only a temporary one-year permit to live in Crimea.March 17, 2014 Declaring victory, Crimean and Russian officials pledge fast integration Kyiv Post http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/voting-in-crimean-referendum-starts-even-as-ukraine-government-declares-it-illegitimate-339523.html live March 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140317082713/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/voting-in-crimean-referendum-starts-even-as-ukraine-government-declares-it-illegitimate-339523.html March 17, 2014 "According to all the laws, this is illegal," she said in one interview. "I am a foreign citizen. How can I decide the destiny of the Crimean Autonomous Republic of Ukraine?" The chairman of the electoral campaign of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People claimed officials did not check carefully whether voters' names were on the electoral register and that some voters were bussed in to Bakhchysarai to increase participation rates in the city.'Irregularities' cited in Crimea referendum http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/164578/-39-irregularities-39-cited-in-crimea-referendum.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140318162055/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/164578/-39-irregularities-39-cited-in-crimea-referendum.html March 18, 2014 March 18, 2014 mdy-all Mejlis also stated that only 34.2% of Crimea residents participated in the referendum.Dzhemilev: 34% of Crimea residents participated in the "referendum" on March 16 https://web.archive.org/web/20140328155104/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/25/7020267/ March 28, 2014 . Ukrayinska Pravda. March 25, 2014Mustafa Dzhemilev "34.2% of Crimea residents participated in pseudoreferendum on March 16" https://web.archive.org/web/20140426023608/http://qtmm.org/ua/ua-%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/4369-%D0%BC%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%84%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%BB%D1%94%D0%B2-%D1%83-%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BC%D1%96-16-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B7%D0%BD%D1%8F-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B4%D1%96-%D0%B2%D0%B7%D1%8F%D0%BB%D0%B8-%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C-34-2-%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BD April 26, 2014 . Mejlis. March 25, 2014 There were a few reports of people confiscating identification documents before the voting day. Simferopol city administration confirmed these claims and declared these actions unlawful.March 10, 2014 Unknown people seize passports of Crimean residents – Crimean News Agency http://qha.com.ua/unknown-people-seize-passports-of-crimean-residents-130806en.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150214001300/http://qha.com.ua/unknown-people-seize-passports-of-crimean-residents-130806en.html 14 February 2015 January 7, 2020 Qha.com.ua A senior US official claimed there was "concrete evidence" of some ballots having been pre-marked.Croft Aleksandar Vasovic and Adrian March 17, 2014 U.S., EU set sanctions as Putin recognises Crimea "sovereignty" Reuters http://in.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-crimea-referendum-idINDEEA2G00620140317 dead July 5, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20200730031257/https://in.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-crimea-referendum-idINDEEA2G00620140317 July 30, 2020March 17, 2014 Crimea Votes To Join Russia, European Union Imposes Sanctions http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/17/crimea-votes-russia_n_4978631.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140321062110/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/17/crimea-votes-russia_n_4978631.html March 21, 2014 March 20, 2014 Huffington Post According to three Czech observers funded by the pro-Russian far-rightBullough, Oliver March 2014 The Crimean Referendum to Join Russia Was an Unconstitutional Sham https://newrepublic.com/article/117044/crimean-referendum-join-russia-was-unconstitutional-sham live New Republic https://web.archive.org/web/20170517150952/https://newrepublic.com/article/117044/crimean-referendum-join-russia-was-unconstitutional-sham May 17, 2017 March 6, 2017 non-governmental organization Eurasian Observatory for Democracy & Elections, deputy Stanislav Berkovec reported that the voting was free and the foreign deputies could move freely. According to his discussions with people, even the Tatars inclined towards Russia.Kateřina Perknerová. Poslanec Berkovec: I pro krymské Tatary je Rusko symbolem jistoty https://web.archive.org/web/20140318110347/http://www.denik.cz/ze_sveta/poslanec-berkovec-i-pro-krymske-tatary-je-rusko-symbolem-jistoty-20140318.html March 18, 2014 . deník.cz. March 18, 2014. Another deputy Milan Šarapatka reported that the referendum was formally regular and that there was no evidence of pressure on voters.Martin Dorazín, Jaromír Marek, Veronika Sedláčková. Na Krymu začaly změny. Má parlament s novým jménem a bude mít i nový čas https://web.archive.org/web/20140318050153/http://www.rozhlas.cz/zpravy/evropa/_zprava/na-krymu-zacaly-zmeny-ma-parlament-s-novym-jmenem-a-bude-mit-i-novy-cas--1327777 March 18, 2014 . Czech Radio. March 17, 2014. Accessed March 18, 2014. According to Miloslav Soušek (the Vysoké Mýto mayor), the course of the referendum was comparable to the elections in the Czech Republic; he claimed he saw no soldiers in the town.jek, kat March 19, 2014 Cestu Šarapatky na Krym platila organizace ultrapravicového aktivisty The Sharapatka trip to Crimea was paid for by an far-right activist organization http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/domaci/266740-cestu-sarapatky-na-krym-platila-organizace-ultrapravicoveho-aktivisty/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140320040523/http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/domaci/266740-cestu-sarapatky-na-krym-platila-organizace-ultrapravicoveho-aktivisty/ March 20, 2014 March 20, 2014 Czech Television Results Official results According to the Central Election Commission of Ukraine on February 28, 2014 there were 1,534,815 registered voters in the autonomous republic of Crimea and 309,774 in the city of Sevastopol, which totals to 1,844,589 voters in the two Ukrainian regions.State voters registry https://web.archive.org/web/20140313152322/https://www.drv.gov.ua/portal/!cm_core.cm_index?option=ext_num_voters&pdt=1&pmn_id=127 March 13, 2014 . Central Election Commission of Ukraine. According to organizers of the referendum, 1,274,096 people voted in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, giving the plebiscite an 83.1% turnout in that region.twp-2014-votes Morello; Constable; Faiola (2014) "[Mikhail Malyshev, the Crimean election Spokesman,] who spoke briefly Monday morning on Crimean television, said a total of 1,274,096 people voted, for an 83.1 percent turnout. Of those who cast a ballot, [sic] 1,233,002 voted to shift to Russia, 31,997 voted to stay with Ukraine, and 9,097 were in invalid, Malyshev said."Morello Carol Constable Pamela Pamela Constable Faiola Anthony March 17, 2014 Crimeans vote in referendum on whether to break away from Ukraine, join Russia The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/crimeans-begin-vote-on-russia-referendum/2014/03/16/ccec2132-acd4-11e3-a06a-e3230a43d6cb_story.html live March 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140316232749/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/crimeans-begin-vote-on-russia-referendum/2014/03/16/ccec2132-acd4-11e3-a06a-e3230a43d6cb_story.html March 16, 2014 +Final results from the Autonomous Republic of Crimeatwp-2014-votesNovember 2020 (Values in italics are calculated by an editor rather than provided by official sources.) Choice Votes Percentage of registered voters Percentage of all ballots cast Percentage of valid votes 14px Join the Russian Federation as federal subject of Russia? 1,233,002 80.42% 96.77% 97.47% 14px Restore the 1992 Crimea constitution and become a part of Ukraine?31,997 2.09% 2.51% 2.53% Subtotal of valid votes 1,264,999 82.51% 99.28% 100.00% 14px Invalid or blank votes 9,097 0.59% 0.72% — Total votes cast 1,274,096 83.1% 100.00% — Registered voters that did not participate ≈ 259,112 16.9% — — Total registered voters Calculated as Total votes cast divided by Turnout ≈ 1,533,208 100.00% — — +Final results from SevastopolMarch 17, 2014 ru:На сессии городского Совета утверждены результаты общекрымского референдума 16 марта 2014 года Session of the City Council approved the results of the general referendum on March 16, 2014 http://sevsovet.com.ua/index.php/2011-06-30-23-44-03/12395-na-sessii-gorodskogo-soveta-utverzhdeny-rezultaty-obshchekrymskogo-referenduma-16-marta-2014-goda dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140722133147/http://sevsovet.com.ua/index.php/2011-06-30-23-44-03/12395-na-sessii-gorodskogo-soveta-utverzhdeny-rezultaty-obshchekrymskogo-referenduma-16-marta-2014-goda July 22, 2014 Official site of the Sevastopol City Council ru (Values in italics are calculated by an editor rather than provided by official sources.) Choice Votes Percentage of registered voters Percentage of all ballots cast Percentage of valid votes14px Join the Russian Federation as Federal subject of Russia? 262,041 85.56% 95.6% 96.59%14px Restore the 1992 Crimea constitution and become a part of Ukraine? 9,250 3.02% 3.37% 3.41% Subtotal of valid votes 271,291 88.58% 98.97% 100.00% 14px Invalid or blank votes 2,810 0.92% 1.03% — Total votes cast 274,101 89.50% 100.00% — Registered voters that did not participate 32,157 10.50% — — Total registered voters Proof that vote counts have been reverse calculated March 2014306,258 100.00% — — Alternative estimates of results November 2023 In the evening of 16 March 2014, Mikhail Malyshev, the Crimean election Spokesman, reported that as of 20:00, 1,250,427 people or 81.36% voted in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and 274,136 or 89.50% voted in Sevastopol for a total of 1,524,563 or 82.71% of the electorate.Video: Более 95% избирателей в Крыму захотели вернуться в состав России https://web.archive.org/web/20140318170213/http://www.ntv.ru/novosti/861036 March 18, 2014 . ntv.ru. 17 March 2014. Accessed 18 March 2014. ITAR-TASS initially reported this as 1,724,563 voters in total,Turnout for the referendum in the Crimea was 81.36% https://web.archive.org/web/20140317230948/http://itar-tass.com/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/1051661 March 17, 2014 . ITAR-TASS. 16 March 2014 but corrected it later.По предварительным данным, за присоединение к России проголосовали 95,5% крымчан https://web.archive.org/web/20140318212818/http://itar-tass.com/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/1051719 March 18, 2014 . ITAR-TASS. 17 March 2014. Accessed 18 March 2014. The discrepancy led to some reports of a 123% turnout in Sevastopol.В Севастополе за присоединение к России проголосовало 123% населения In Sevastopol, 123% of the population voted for joining Russia http://www.unian.net/politics/897366-v-sevastopole-za-prisoedinenie-k-rossii-progolosovalo-123-naseleniya.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140318210105/http://www.unian.net/politics/897366-v-sevastopole-za-prisoedinenie-k-rossii-progolosovalo-123-naseleniya.html March 18, 2014 March 18, 2014 unian.netMacAskill Ewen Washington Ian Traynor Dan Roberts in 17 March 2014 EU and US impose sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian officials https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/eu-imposes-sanctions-21-russian-ukrainian-officials-crimea live https://web.archive.org/web/20190616130945/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/eu-imposes-sanctions-21-russian-ukrainian-officials-crimea June 16, 2019 December 14, 2016 The GuardianAdesnik David How Russia Rigged Crimean Referendum https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidadesnik/2014/03/18/how-russia-rigged-crimean-referendum/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20170705041025/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidadesnik/2014/03/18/how-russia-rigged-crimean-referendum/ July 5, 2017 August 26, 2017 forbes.comЗа слияние с Россией проголосовало 123% севастопольцев 123% of Sevastopol residents voted for a merger with Russia http://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2014/03/17/7019270/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140321044319/http://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2014/03/17/7019270/ March 21, 2014 March 19, 2014 pravda.com.ua Mustafa Dzhemilev, a recent Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, reports that according to his sources the actual turnout was only 32.4%.Купчинецкая Виктория March 31, 2014 Мустафа Джамилев выступил в Совете Безопасности ООН Mustafa Dzhamilev addressed the UN Security Council Voice of America http://www.golos-ameriki.ru/content/crimea-tatars-on-latest-evens-in-ukraine/1883359.html live April 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140404065645/http://www.golos-ameriki.ru/content/crimea-tatars-on-latest-evens-in-ukraine/1883359.html April 4, 2014 Mejlis Deputy Chairman Akhtem Chiygoz argued that voter turnout in the referendum among Crimeans did not exceed 30–40 percent. Andrey Illarionov, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a former Russian government adviser, cited results of previous polls over past three years showing the Crimean support for joining Russia between 23 and 41 percent to conclude that the actual support for the reunification of Crimea with Russia was about 34 percent and that at least two thirds of Crimea did not vote for it. He called the referendum a "grossly rigged falsification" and the outcome "cynically distorted".March 25, 2014 Crimea Referendum: 34 Percent, Not 97 Percent, Says Former Russian Government Adviser http://guardianlv.com/2014/03/crimea-referendum-34-percent-not-97-percent-says-former-russian-government-adviser/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140327220839/http://guardianlv.com/2014/03/crimea-referendum-34-percent-not-97-percent-says-former-russian-government-adviser/ March 27, 2014 March 27, 2014 Guardian Liberty Voice Post-referendum polls The results of a survey by the U.S. government Broadcasting Board of Governors agency, conducted April 21–29, 2014, showed that 83% of Crimeans felt that the results of the March 16 referendum on Crimea's status likely reflected the views of most people there, whereas this view is shared only by 30% in the rest of Ukraine.June 3, 2014 Ukraine Political Attitudes Split, Crimeans Turning to Russian Sources For News http://www.bbg.gov/blog/2014/06/03/ukraine-political-attitudes-split-crimeans-turning-to-russian-sources-for-news/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20150923182922/http://www.bbg.gov/blog/2014/06/03/ukraine-political-attitudes-split-crimeans-turning-to-russian-sources-for-news/ September 23, 2015 June 5, 2014 Broadcasting Board of Governors Gallup conducted an immediate post-referendum survey of Ukraine and Crimea and published their results in April 2014. Gallup reported that, among the population of Crimea, 93.6% of ethnic Russians and 68.4% of ethnic Ukrainians believed the referendum result accurately represents the will of the Crimean people. Only 1.7% of ethnic Russians and 14.5% of ethnic Ukrainians living in Crimea thought that the referendum results did not accurately reflect the views of the Crimean people.BBG and Gallup - Newsgathering and Policy Perceptions in Ukraine https://www.bbg.gov/wp-content/media/2014/06/Ukraine-slide-deck.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20190726020219/https://www.bbg.gov/wp-content/media/2014/06/Ukraine-slide-deck.pdf July 26, 2019 July 7, 2019 According to Gallup's survey performed on April 21–27, 82.8% of Crimean people consider the referendum results reflecting most Crimeans' views,June 3, 2014 Contemporary Media Use in Ukraine http://www.bbg.gov/wp-content/media/2014/06/Ukraine-research-brief.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20150923183045/http://www.bbg.gov/wp-content/media/2014/06/Ukraine-research-brief.pdf September 23, 2015 September 21, 2014 Broadcasting Board of Governors and 73.9% of Crimeans say Crimea's becoming part of Russia will make life better for themselves and their families, while 5.5% disagree. In May 2014, Washington, D.C., pollster Pew Research published results of a survey that encompassed Crimea, Ukraine, and Russia, in which it was reported that 88% of Crimeans believed the government of Kyiv should officially recognize the result of Crimea's referendum.2014-05-08 Despite Concerns about Governance, Ukrainians Want to Remain One Country https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20190709195804/https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/ July 9, 2019 2019-07-06 Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project en-US According to survey carried out by Pew Research Center in April 2014, the majority of Crimean residents say they believed the referendum was free and fair (91%) and that the government in Kyiv ought to recognize the results of the vote (88%).May 8, 2014 Despite Concerns about Governance, Ukrainians Want to Remain One Country http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20151001152520/http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/ October 1, 2015 May 19, 2014 Pew Research Center Between December 12 and 25, 2014, Levada-Center carried out a survey of Crimea that was commissioned by John O'Loughlin, college professor of distinction and professor of geography at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and Gerard Toal (Gearóid Ó Tuathail), professor of government and international affairs at Virginia Tech's National Capital Region campus. The results of that survey were published by Open Democracy in March, 2015, and reported that, overall, 84% of Crimeans felt the choice to secede from Ukraine and accede to Russia was "Absolutely the right decision", with the next-largest segment of respondents saying the decision to return to Russia was the "Generally right decision". The survey commissioners, John O'Loughlin and Gerard Toal, wrote in their Open Democracy article that, while they felt that the referendum was "an illegal act under international law", their survey shows "It is also an act that enjoys the widespread support of the peninsula's inhabitants, with the important exception of its Crimean Tatar population" with "widespread support for Crimea's decision to secede from Ukraine and join the Russian Federation one year ago". Their survey also reported that a majority of Crimean Tatars viewed Crimea's return to Russia as either the "Absolutely right decision" or the "Generally right decision".March 3, 2015 The Crimean conundrum https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/john-o%25E2%2580%2599loughlin-gerard-toal/crimean-conundrum dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160722133509/https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/john-o%25E2%2580%2599loughlin-gerard-toal/crimean-conundrum July 22, 2016 July 11, 2016 openDemocracy mdy-all From January 16 – 22, 2015, Germany's GfK Group, with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, followed-up their pre-referendum survey of Crimeans' voting intention with a post-referendum survey about how satisfied Crimeans are with the outcome of their referendum. GfK's post-referendum survey found that 82% of Crimeans "Fully endorse" Crimea's referendum and return to Russia, while another 11% "Mostly endorse" it.GFK Opinion Poll in Crimea, January 2015 https://orientalreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/GFK_report_FreeCrimea.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20201112002832/https://orientalreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/GFK_report_FreeCrimea.pdf November 12, 2020 July 7, 2019 According to a poll of the Crimeans by the Ukrainian branch of Germany's biggest market research organization, GfK, on January 16–22, 2015: "Eighty-two percent of those polled said they fully supported Crimea's inclusion in Russia, and another 11 percent expressed partial support. Only 4 percent spoke out against it. ... Fifty-one percent reported their well-being had improved in the past year."Bershidsky Leonid February 6, 2015 One Year Later, Crimeans Prefer Russia Bloomberg News http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-06/one-year-later-crimeans-prefer-russia live August 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151027034258/http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-06/one-year-later-crimeans-prefer-russia October 27, 2015 Bloomberg's Leonid Bershidsky noted that "The calls were made on Jan. 16–22 to people living in towns with a population of 20,000 or more, which probably led to the peninsula's native population, the Tatars, being underrepresented because many of them live in small villages. On the other hand, no calls were placed in Sevastopol, the most pro-Russian city in Crimea. Even with these limitations, it was the most representative independent poll taken on the peninsula since its annexation." From February 9 – 18, 2015, Russian public opinion research centre, VTsIOM, carried out a door-to-door survey of 1,600 Crimean respondents. The VTsIOM survey asked how people would vote if the same referendum on Crimea's identity that was held in March 2014 were held again at the present time (February 2015). VTsIOM reported that 97% of ethnic Russians, 91% of ethnic Ukrainians, 49% of ethnic Tatars, and 92% of all other ethnic groups would vote for Crimea to join Russia, while 1% of ethnic Russians, 4% of ethnic Ukrainians, 26% of ethnic Tatars, and 2% of all other ethnic groups would vote to remain an autonomous region of Ukraine.February 2015 VTsIOM public opinion survey of Crimean satisfaction with the 2014 referendum outcome http://old2.wciom.ru/fileadmin/news/sobytiya/Krblm2015.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150421043605/http://old2.wciom.ru/fileadmin/news/sobytiya/Krblm2015.pdf 2015-04-21 In November 2017, German pollster ZOiS published the results of a survey which reported that 85.3% of Crimeans excluding Tatars, and 61.8% of Crimean Tatars excluding other Crimean demographics thought that Crimeans would either vote the same or that the majority would vote the same as they did in 2014 if the same referendum were held at the present time (November 2017). 3.8% of Crimeans excluding Tatars, and 16.2% of Crimean Tatars responded that most Crimeans would vote differently if the same referendum were held again at that time in 2017. The ZOiS survey also reported that, among the Crimean population apart from Tatars, when asked what was the reason Crimea became a part of Russia in 2014, 32.9% of respondents said that Crimea became a part of Russia as a result of Kyiv's neglect of the region over many years, 25% of respondents said it happened because of the mobilization of the Crimean population, 24% respondents said it happened as a result of the Euromaidan, and 17.4% said it happened as a result of Russia's action. When the same question was asked of Crimean Tatars, excluding all other demographics in Crimea, 36.3% of respondents said that Crimea became a part of Russia as a result of the Euromaidan, 32.9% said it happened as a result of Kyiv's neglect of the region over many years, 24% of respondents said it happened as a result of Russia's action, and 7.8% said it happened because of the mobilization of the Crimean population.The Public Mood in Crimea https://www.zois-berlin.de/fileadmin/media/Dateien/ZOiS_Reports/ZOiS_Report_3_2017.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20190224203617/https://www.zois-berlin.de/fileadmin/media/Dateien/ZOiS_Reports/ZOiS_Report_3_2017.pdf February 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 In March 2019, Russian public opinion research centre, VTsIOM, published the results of a new survey of Crimea in which 89% of respondents said they would vote to "reunify" with Russia if a referendum on the matter were held next week. The same survey reported 93% of Crimeans viewed Crimea's "reunification" with Russia in a positive light, while 3% viewed it in a negative light. 86% of respondents said they believed that Crimea is developing more successfully as under Russian control, while 72% said that the "reunification" had a positive effect on their lives and that of their families. 59% of respondents said they had "noticed positive changes on the peninsula in the last year".Overwhelming majority of Crimeans would again vote to "reunite" with Russia, says poll https://tass.com/society/1048672 live https://web.archive.org/web/20200714155130/https://tass.com/society/1048672 July 14, 2020 2020-07-14 TASS In December 2019, Levada-Center was again commissioned by John O'Loughlin, college professor of distinction and professor of geography at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and Gerard Toal (Gearóid Ó Tuathail), professor of government and international affairs at Virginia Tech's National Capital Region campus, to carry-out a survey of Crimea's attitudes towards their referendum and living as a part of Russia. The survey aimed to repeat the questions of their 2014 survey. The 2019 survey found that 82% of Crimea's population supported Crimea's accession to Russia, as opposed to 86% in 2014. The survey also found that 58% of Crimean Tatars now supported Crimea's accession to Russia, as opposed to 39% in 2014.Toal Gerard O'Loughlin John Bakke Kristin M. Analysis Six years and $20 billion in Russian investment later, Crimeans are happy with Russian annexation en The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/18/six-years-20-billion-russian-investment-later-crimeans-are-happy-with-russian-annexation/ live 2020-07-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20200715110610/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/18/six-years-20-billion-russian-investment-later-crimeans-are-happy-with-russian-annexation/ July 15, 2020 Reactions Political status of Crimea #336733 Countries recognizing results of the Crimean referendumblack Crimea|300px|thumb|right thumb|right|upright=1.12|Refat Chubarov, leader of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, commented on the decision of Supreme Council of Crimea. ru Most countries, particularly Western ones, declared the referendum invalid and a breach of Ukrainian sovereignty.Svyatets Domestic The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People has announced that "Crimean Tatars will not take part in the referendum and deem it illegitimate."March 2, 2014 Crimean Tatar Leader Tells People To Stay At Home, Avoid Confrontations https://www.rferl.org/a/crimean-tatar-leader-tells-people-to-stay-at-home-avoid-confrontations/25282669.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140307021734/http://www.rferl.org/content/crimean-tatar-leader-tells-people-to-stay-at-home-avoid-confrontations/25282669.html March 7, 2014 March 7, 2014 Rferl.org Mejlis Deputy Chairman Ahtem Chiygoz stated that the Tatar people mostly had not participated. He stated that voter turnout in the referendum among Crimeans could not be beyond 30–40 percent, contrary to the claims of a 70 percent participation. He noted that the "Maximum [amount of] voters, who in the best times and in a peaceful environment could come to the polls and vote for a particular party or a particular candidate, never exceeded 40 percent. And now all 70 percent and without participation of the Crimean Tatars".2014-03-17 Voter turnout at pseudo-referendum in Crimea was maximum 30-40 percent - Mejlis https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/1633566-voter_turnout_at_pseudo_referendum_in_crimea_was_maximum_30_40_percent___mejlis_318657.html https://web.archive.org/web/20240808062327/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/1633566-voter_turnout_at_pseudo_referendum_in_crimea_was_maximum_30_40_percent___mejlis_318657.html 2024-08-08 2026-10-26 Ukrinform The Ukrainian government has announced it will not recognise the referendum. Acting president Oleksandr Turchynov stated: "It is not a referendum, it is a farce, a fake and a crime against the state which is organised by the Russian Federation's military." Former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko alleged Russian coercion in allowing the referendum and that the international community should not allow it to happen.Talk to Al Jazeera March 2014 Yulia Tymoshenko: 'Kremlin has declared war' http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2014/03/yulia-tymoshenko-kremlin-declared-war-20143715542330860.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140311091701/http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2014/03/yulia-tymoshenko-kremlin-declared-war-20143715542330860.html March 11, 2014 March 15, 2014 Al Jazeera English Supranational bodies European Union – All 28 member states of the European Union believe the separation of the Crimea from Ukraine to be unacceptable under international law.March 11, 2014 Європа вважає відокремлення Криму від України неприйнятним – Німеччина Радіо Свобода Europe considers the separation of Crimea from Ukraine unacceptable - Germany http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25293553.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140314143042/http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25293553.html March 14, 2014 March 15, 2014 Radiosvoboda.org The European Parliament rejected the referendum on independence in Crimea, which they saw as manipulated and contrary to international and Ukrainian law.March 12, 2014 Ukraine: MEPs call for firm action on Russia to prevent further escalation http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20140312STO38705/html/Ukraine-MEPs-call-for-firm-action-on-Russia-to-prevent-further-escalation live https://web.archive.org/web/20140330080116/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20140312STO38705/html/Ukraine-MEPs-call-for-firm-action-on-Russia-to-prevent-further-escalation March 30, 2014 March 15, 2014 Europarl.europa.eu G7 world leaders said that they would not recognize the results of a referendum for Ukraine's Crimea region. The leaders called on Russia to "immediately" halt actions supporting the referendum on Crimea regarding its status.March 12, 2014 G7 not to recognize Crimea referendum – Xinhua English.news.cn http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/12/c_126258900.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140331184952/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/12/c_126258900.htm March 31, 2014 March 15, 2014 News.xinhuanet.com thumb|300px|right|UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution condemning the 2014 Crimean referendum. #287cfe Voted in favor of resolution #007f00 Abstained #ff0000 Vetoed resolution UN On March 15, the United Nations Security Council voted 13–1 (with one abstention: China) to condemn the referendum, but Russia vetoed the draft resolution.March 15, 2014 Ukraine crisis: Russia isolated in UN Crimea vote BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26595776 live March 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140315173752/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26595776 March 15, 2014 On April 16, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović has briefed the Security Council on the situation in Ukraine, and turning to his March 21 to 22 visit to Crimea he said "Media manipulation significantly contributed to a climate of fear and insecurity in the period preceding the referendum, and the presence of paramilitary and so-called self-defence groups, as well as soldiers in uniform but without insignia, was not conducive to an environment in which voters could freely exercise their right to hold opinions and the right to freedom of expression".April 16, 2014 Unrest in eastern Ukraine risks 'seriously destabilizing' entire country – UN rights official https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47601&Cr=ukraine&Cr1=#.U1Ar56x8SNB live https://web.archive.org/web/20140421092736/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47601&Cr=ukraine&Cr1=#.U1Ar56x8SNB April 21, 2014 April 16, 2014 United Nations UN The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution describing the Crimean referendum as illegal. One hundred countries voted in favour of approving a UN General Assembly resolution declaring the Crimean referendum illegal and affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity. Eleven nations voted against, with fifty-eight abstentions. The Monitoring Committee, in its report that was the basis for PACE resolution No. 1988 (2014) of April 9, 2014,Recent developments in Ukraine: threats to the functioning of democratic institutions (Doc. 13482) https://web.archive.org/web/20140425090627/http://assembly.coe.int//nw/xml/XRef/X2H-Xref-ViewPDF.asp?FileID=20712&lang=en April 25, 2014 , Part B, paragraph 82, page 17. questioned the official outcome of the referendum. Russians accounted for only 54% of the population and around 36% were Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians, who had announced a boycott of the referendum. The authors of the report argued that the combination of an 82% turnout and a 96% vote in favor of annexation was therefore implausible. NATO – Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on March 14, "a planned referendum in Ukraine's Crimea region would violate international law and lack legitimacy".March 14, 2014 NATO says Crimea referendum would break international law https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-nato-idUSBREA2D1NI20140314 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160307055054/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-nato-idUSBREA2D1NI20140314 March 7, 2016 March 14, 2014 Reuters On April 12, NATO published a fact sheet claims that "the referendum was illegal according to the Ukrainian constitution, which states that questions of altering the territory of Ukraine are resolved exclusively by an All-Ukrainian referendum and was organized in a matter of weeks by a self-proclaimed Crimean leadership that was installed by armed Russian military personnel after seizing government buildings".April 12, 2014 Russia's accusations – setting the record straight http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_109141.htm?selectedLocale=en live https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145901/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_109141.htm?selectedLocale=en April 13, 2014 April 12, 2014 NATO Venice Commission – Experts of the Council of Europe for constitutional law have said that the referendum in Crimea on the peninsula's joining Russia which the Crimean authorities plan to hold on March 16 is illegal and it is not in line with the Constitution of Ukraine. The Council of Europe's so-called Venice Commission which is made up of independent constitutional experts said Crimea's vote to secede was undemocratic and violated Ukraine's constitution.March 21, 2014 Crimea referendum 'illegal': Council of Europe panel http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-03-21/news/48438196_1_crimea-venice-commission-referendum dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140416183231/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-03-21/news/48438196_1_crimea-venice-commission-referendum April 16, 2014 March 21, 2014 The Economic Times Crimea's referendum to join Russia was "illegal", an advisory body of the pro-democracy Council of Europe said on March 21, as East-West tensions mounted over Moscow's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula.March 21, 2014 CDL-AD(2014)002-e Opinion on "whether the decision taken by the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in Ukraine to organise a referendum on becoming a constituent territory of the Russian Federation or restoring Crimea's 1992 constitution is compatible with constitutional principles" adopted by the Venice Commission at its 98th Plenary Session (Venice, 21–22 March 2014) http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-AD%282014%29002-e live https://web.archive.org/web/20140323194258/http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-AD(2014)002-e March 23, 2014 March 21, 2014 Venice Commission The Venice Commission has emphasized that the right to self-determination should be understood primarily as an internal self-determination within the existing borders, and not as an external self-determination through secession. In addition, any referendum on the status of the territory requires serious preliminary negotiations with all interested parties, and there were not such negotiations. UN member states thumb|300px|Results of the United Nations General Assembly vote about the territorial integrity of Ukraine.#74C365 In favor #ab4e52 Against #FADA5E Abstentions #89CFF0 Absent #e0e0e0 Non-members Afghanistan – The office of President Hamid Karzai said that Afghanistan respected "decision the people of Crimea took through a recent referendum that considers Crimea as part of the Russian Federation". Some sources stated that Afghanistan's government's break with its allies may have been due to Afghanistan's own irredentist aspirations to similarly regain Pashtun-inhabited parts of Pakistan.Matthew Rosenburg March 23, 2014 Breaking With the West, Afghan Leader Supports Russia's Annexation of Crimea The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/world/asia/breaking-with-the-west-afghan-leader-supports-russias-annexation-of-crimea.html?action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article live February 15, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180315200239/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/world/asia/breaking-with-the-west-afghan-leader-supports-russias-annexation-of-crimea.html?action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article March 15, 2018 Albania – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania described the referendum as illegal in a statement and strongly objected to the idea that the declaration of independence of Crimea should be treated in the same manner as the declaration of independence of Kosovo.MFA statement on the upcoming referendum in Crimea https://web.archive.org/web/20140316080800/http://www.punetejashtme.gov.al/en/press-office/press-releases/mfa-statement-on-the-upcoming-referendum-in-crimea March 16, 2014 , Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 15, 2014 After the referendum, the Ministry reiterated its stance, saying the referendum set a dangerous precedent.MFA statement on referendum in Crimea https://web.archive.org/web/20140317194434/http://www.punetejashtme.gov.al/en/press-office/press-releases/mfa-statement-on-referendum-in-crimea March 17, 2014 , Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 17, 2014 Argentina – The president of Argentina Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, whose nation currently is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, criticized the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom pointing out the hypocrisy that stems from them trying to act as the "world's police force". Kirchner further stated the double standards of the aforementioned bodies by stating that "My country is suffering an encroachment in the Malvinas Islands by the United Kingdom, and the major powers have spoken in favor of the referendum that 'kelpers' had: that is double standard. Can agree with the regional integrity in Crimea but not Argentina's", in reference to the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute and its recent referendum in 2013.Ana Clara Pérez Cotten March 26, 2014 Putin coincidió con Cristina en el doble estándar sobre Crimea y las Malvinas Putin agreed with Cristina on the double standard on Crimea and the Falklands http://tiempo.infonews.com/2014/03/26/argentina-121252-putin-coincidio-con-cristina-en-el-doble-estandar-sobre-crimea-y-las-malvinas.php live https://web.archive.org/web/20140328135025/http://tiempo.infonews.com/2014/03/26/argentina-121252-putin-coincidio-con-cristina-en-el-doble-estandar-sobre-crimea-y-las-malvinas.php March 28, 2014 March 31, 2014 InfoNews Armenia – Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan said on March 17 that Armenia is "for the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis through dialogue, in peaceful and negotiated manner based on the UN Charter, international law."March 17, 2014 The answer of Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian to a question by "First news" service Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia http://www.mfa.am/en/interviews/item/2014/03/17/MFA_ukraine_crimea/ dead March 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140318193432/http://www.mfa.am/en/interviews/item/2014/03/17/MFA_ukraine_crimea/ March 18, 2014 During a phone conversation with Putin on March 19 President Serzh Sargsyan said the referendum in Crimea was an exercise of peoples' right to self-determination via free expression of will. Both leaders highlighted the importance of a commitment to the norms and principles of international law.Armenian and Russian presidents say Crimea referendum an example of peoples' right to self-determination http://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenian_and_russian_presidents_say_crimea_referendum_an_example_of_peoples_right_to_self_determinat/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140320113110/http://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenian_and_russian_presidents_say_crimea_referendum_an_example_of_peoples_right_to_self_determinat/ March 20, 2014 March 20, 2014 arka.amMarch 19, 2014 Today the President of Armenia held a Telephone Conversation with the President of Russia Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia http://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2014/03/19/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-conversation-with-the-President-of-Russian-federation/ live March 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20191106213058/https://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2014/03/19/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-conversation-with-the-President-of-Russian-federation/ November 6, 2019 Asbarez commented that Sargsyan "apparently recognized Crimea's referendum to secede from Ukraine and join Russia."March 19, 2014 Sarkisian Backs Crimean Referendum in Phone Call with Putin Asbarez http://asbarez.com/120847/sarkisian-backs-crimean-referendum-in-phone-call-with-putin/ live March 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140321022438/http://asbarez.com/120847/sarkisian-backs-crimean-referendum-in-phone-call-with-putin/ March 21, 2014 In response, on March 20, Oleh Tyahnybok, the leader of the Ukrainian far-right Svoboda, urged to recall the Ukrainian ambassador to Armenia.March 20, 2014 Ukrainian Embassy to Armenia does not comment onTyahnybok's urge to recall Ambassador Armenpress http://armenpress.am/eng/news/754748/ukrainian-embassy-to-armenia-does-not-comment-on-tyahnybok%E2%80%99s-urge-to-recall-ambassador.html live March 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140321010008/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/754748/ukrainian-embassy-to-armenia-does-not-comment-on-tyahnybok%E2%80%99s-urge-to-recall-ambassador.html March 21, 2014 Australia – Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has rejected the legitimacy of the referendum, given the brief time frame, the disregard of the Ukrainian constitution and the presence of Russian troops on the peninsula. Australia also imposes sanctions on Russia.March 19, 2014 Daniel Hurst Australia imposes sanctions on Russia after it 'steals' Crimea from Ukraine The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/19/australia-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-after-it-steals-crimea-from-ukraine live December 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20220119213826/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/19/australia-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-after-it-steals-crimea-from-ukraine January 19, 2022 Belarus – The position of President Alexander Lukashenko is vague: it includes "Ukraine should remain an integral, indivisible, non-aligned state" and "As for Crimea, I do not like it when the integrity and independence of a country are broken", on the one hand, and "Today Crimea is part of the Russian Federation. No matter whether you recognize it or not, the fact remains." and "Whether Crimea will be recognized as a region of the Russian Federation de jure does not really matter", on the other hand.President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko answers questions of mass media representatives on 23 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20190610130051/http://president.gov.by/en/news_en/view/president-of-the-republic-of-belarus-alexander-lukashenko-answers-questions-of-mass-media-representatives-on-8348/ June 10, 2019 . president.gov.by. March 23, 2014. Canada – Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the Canadian government will not recognize the result and that the region was under "illegal military occupation". China – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said, "China always respects all countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Crimean issue should be resolved politically under a framework of law and order. All parties should exercise restraint and refrain from raising the tension."Shannon Tiezzi China Reacts to the Crimea Referendum https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/china-reacts-to-the-crimea-referendum/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20201219062956/https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/china-reacts-to-the-crimea-referendum/ December 19, 2020 February 12, 2021 thediplomat.comForeign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Remarks on the Result of Referendum in Crimea http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw/s2510/t1138292.shtml live https://web.archive.org/web/20140318062847/http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw/s2510/t1138292.shtml March 18, 2014 March 18, 2014March 13, 2017 China warns of dangerous Russia sanctions 'spiral' Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-china-idUSBREA2C0PB20140313 live June 30, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170611083514/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-china-idUSBREA2C0PB20140313 June 11, 2017 Finland – The Foreign Ministry described the referendum as "against the Ukrainian constitution and, as such, illegal" and said it would "only aggravate the situation further".Press Releases https://um.fi/press-releases live https://web.archive.org/web/20220222143945/https://um.fi/press-releases February 22, 2022 February 22, 2022 Ministry for Foreign Affairs France – Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that the referendum in Ukraine's Crimea region planned for March 16 is illegitimate and the annexation of Crimea by Russia would be illegal.March 11, 2014 France Says Russia Sanctions Could Be Imposed This Week https://www.rferl.org/a/fabius-russia-sanctions-crimea-ukraine/25292724.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140315002322/http://www.rferl.org/content/fabius-russia-sanctions-crimea-ukraine/25292724.html March 15, 2014 March 15, 2014 Rferl.org French President François Hollande told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in a phone call that the referendum planned in Crimea "has no legal basis".Walsh Nick March 12, 2014 Ukraine's PM visits U.S. as Crimea heads for vote on joining Russia CNN http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/12/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 live March 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140312202113/http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/12/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 March 12, 2014 "According to the 1992 Constitution, Crimea is really an independent state." Georgia – On March 16, the Foreign Ministry released a statement saying it "does not recognize the referendum" as it occurred "amid pressure from Russian armed forces, in defiance of the universally recognized norms and principles of international law, with complete disregard for the Ukrainian national laws." It added, "Russia's attempt to annex Crimea represents a blatant violation of the commitments it has undertaken both under multilateral and bilateral agreements."March 16, 2014 Tbilisi does not Recognize Crimea Vote Civil Georgia http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27043 live March 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140318155230/http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27043 March 18, 2014 On March 17, President Giorgi Margvelashvili called it an "illegal referendum" and expressed his "extreme concern". He said that "it is unimaginable to speak about free choice and free expression of people's will, where the situation is controlled by foreign, namely Russian, armed formations." He asserted that Georgia does not recognize the referendum and support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.March 17, 2014 Georgian President Condemns 'Illegal Referendum' in Crimea Civil Georgia http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27045 live March 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140318152729/http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27045 March 18, 2014 Germany – Chancellor Angela Merkel called the referendum "illegal and incompatible with Ukraine's constitution." Hungary – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarded "the changing of the legal status of Crimea as illegitimate and unlawful", emphasizing that it "remains committed to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."March 19, 2014 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary regards changing Crimea's status as unlawful Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs/news/the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-of-hungary-regards-changing-crimea-s-status-as-unlawful dead May 27, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140527214110/http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs/news/the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-of-hungary-regards-changing-crimea-s-status-as-unlawful May 27, 2014 mdy-all Iceland – On March 14, the Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson released a statement saying "The forthcoming referendum Crimea is taking place under Russian occupation. It is not in accordance with international law and is only bound to increase tensions in the region. It goes without saying that the outcome of such a referendum cannot be validated".March 14, 2014 Foreign Minister expresses concerns over illegitimate referendum in Crimea http://www.mfa.is/news-and-publications/nr/7999 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145725/http://www.mfa.is/news-and-publications/nr/7999 April 13, 2014 March 14, 2014 Ministry for Foreign Affairs India – India stated "There are legitimate Russian and other interests involved and we hope they are discussed and resolved." Further India made it clear that it will not support any "unilateral measures" against Russian government. "India has never supported unilateral sanctions against any country. Therefore, we will also not support any unilateral measures by a country or a group of countries against Russia."March 19, 2014 India not to support western sanctions against Russia The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-not-to-support-western-sanctions-against-Russia/articleshow/32307749.cms live March 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011140/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-not-to-support-western-sanctions-against-Russia/articleshow/32307749.cms November 12, 2020 Indonesia – The Minister of Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa stated, as instructed by the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, stated that Republic of Indonesia does not recognize the Crimean referendum which is viewed as a violation of Ukrainian unity and sovereignty.March 19, 2014 Indonesia Rejects Crimean Referendum Tempo http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2014/03/20/055563862,uk.html/Indonesia-Rejects-Crimean-Referendum dead March 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140320100059/http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2014/03/20/055563862,uk.html/Indonesia-Rejects-Crimean-Referendum March 20, 2014 Japan – Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida announced a set of sanctions against Russia for its recognition of Crimea as an independent state. Japan does not recognize the outcome of Crimea's referendum to split from Ukraine, saying it violates the Ukrainian constitution, and the country's sanctions to Russia involve suspension of talks on relaxing visa requirements between the two countries as well as planned talks on investment, space and military.March 16, 2014 Japan imposes sanctions on Russia over Crimea http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/586678/japan-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-over-crimea live https://web.archive.org/web/20140318091709/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/586678/japan-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-over-crimea March 18, 2014 March 17, 2014 Philippine Daily Inquirer17 March 2014 Japan does not recognise Crimea vote – govt spokesman Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-japan-idUST9N0M101J20140317 Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan views the referendum held in Crimea "as a free expression of will of the Autonomous Republic's population".Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Kazakhstan http://mfa.gov.kz/en/#!/news/article/13803 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20171228143721/http://www.mfa.gov.kz/en#!/news/article/13803 December 28, 2017 March 19, 2014 Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan views the interim Ukrainian government as legitimate and has stated concern over the crisis, and condemns any activities aimed at destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.March 11, 2014 Kyrgyzstan Says Yanukovych Not Ukrainian President https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-says-yanukovych-not-ukrainian-president/25293560.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185630/http://www.rferl.org/content/kyrgyzstan-says-yanukovych-not-ukrainian-president/25293560.html March 3, 2016 March 15, 2014 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Nevertheless, the country recognized the referendum results as reflecting "the views of the region's absolute majority."Kyrgyzstan Recognizes Crimea Referendum Results http://en.ria.ru/world/20140320/188606372/Kyrgyzstan-Recognizes-Crimea-Referendum-Results.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140322131930/http://en.ria.ru/world/20140320/188606372/Kyrgyzstan-Recognizes-Crimea-Referendum-Results.html March 22, 2014 March 22, 2014 RIA Novosti March 20, 2014 Lithuania – Lithuania supports and recognizes Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea. Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius has labeled the referendum as unhelpful in engendering a solution to the crisis.March 2014 Norway – On March 14, the Foreign Minister Børge Brende released a statement saying "the referendum in Crimea, if it is held on Sunday as planned, is in violation of international law and lacks legitimacy".March 14, 2014 Crimea referendum illegal and illegitimate http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/whats-new/news/2014/illegal_referendum.html?id=753120 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125442/http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/whats-new/news/2014/illegal_referendum.html?id=753120 April 13, 2014 March 14, 2014 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying that the Philippines is concerned over developments in Crimea, and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314. The DFA also urged for "comprehensive, inclusive and peaceful dialogue and reconciliation, with full respect for the rule of law".March 18, 2014 DFA Statement on the Crimea https://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/2013-06-27-21-50-36/dfa-releases/2356-dfa-statement-on-the-crimea live https://web.archive.org/web/20140318122315/https://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/2013-06-27-21-50-36/dfa-releases/2356-dfa-statement-on-the-crimea March 18, 2014 March 18, 2014 Department of Foreign Affairs Poland – The Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski told Corriere della Sera on March 16, 2014, that the Crimean referendum was a farce under the barrel of a gun, reminiscent of the 19th-century territorial acquisitions. Following a working visit of the Polish delegation in Kyiv, the MFA Press Office stated on April 1, that Poland have allocated nearly half a million zlotys toward expert assistance for the Ukrainian regional reforms.Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Poland among leaders of expert support for Ukraine https://web.archive.org/web/20140408231857/http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/news/press_office/poland_among_leaders_of_expert_support_for_ukraine April 8, 2014 April 1, 2014. Romania – President Traian Băsescu issued a statement declaring that: "Romania considers the referendum illegal, and will not recognize the results".March 16, 2014 Băsescu: Romania will NOT recognize the Crimean referendum results http://www.mediafax.ro/politic/basescu-romania-nu-va-recunoaste-rezultatele-referendumului-din-crimeea-12274582 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140317122139/http://www.mediafax.ro/politic/basescu-romania-nu-va-recunoaste-rezultatele-referendumului-din-crimeea-12274582 March 17, 2014 March 17, 2014 Mediafax Foreign Minister Titus Corlățean called it "illegal and illegitimate" and "a violation of the Ukrainian Constitution", adding that the "result will not be recognized by the democratic international community".March 16, 2014 Titus Corlăţean, about the Crimean referendum: the result will not be recognized by the democratic international community http://ro.stiri.yahoo.com/titus-corl%C4%83%C5%A3ean-despre-referendumul-din-crimeea-rezultatele-nu-101510533.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140317111614/http://ro.stiri.yahoo.com/titus-corl%C4%83%C5%A3ean-despre-referendumul-din-crimeea-rezultatele-nu-101510533.html March 17, 2014 March 17, 2014 Digi24 Russia – Chairman of the Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko, said that Russia will welcome Crimea to the Federation if the referendum passes.March 6, 2014 As it happened: Pressure on Russia BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26481558 live March 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140309091932/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26481558 March 9, 2014 President Vladimir Putin has further solidified Russia's position on the matter, stating: "The steps taken by the legitimate leadership of Crimea are based on the norms of international law and aim to ensure the legal interests of the population of the peninsula."Dahlburg, John-Thor March 10, 2014 Putin defends referendum on secession in Crimea The Spokesman-Review Associated Press http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/mar/10/putin-defends-referendum-on-secession-in-crimea/ live March 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140310183009/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/mar/10/putin-defends-referendum-on-secession-in-crimea/ March 10, 2014 During a phone call with once deported, former leader of the Crimean Tatars Mustafa Dzhemilev President Putin informed him that the rights of this indigenous people are important to him and that he ordered to prevent any violence against the Crimean Tatars.March 12, 2014 Mustafa Jemilev talked with Vladimir Putin on the phone http://qha.com.ua/mustafa-jemilev-talked-with-vladimir-putin-on-the-phone-130831en.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150501193122/http://qha.com.ua/mustafa-jemilev-talked-with-vladimir-putin-on-the-phone-130831en.html May 1, 2015 March 15, 2014 Crimean News Agency On March 17, President Putin signed a decree recognizing Crimea as a sovereign state.Putin signs decree recognising Crimea as sovereign and independent state http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724037 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140318021357/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724037 March 18, 2014 March 17, 2014 TASS The State Duma issued a statement that was supported by 441 legislators, with one abstention and said: "Welcoming the expression of will by the Crimean people at the March 16 referendum on accession of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia, the State Duma proceeds from the standpoint that the government bodies operating on the territory of Crimea will be maintaining inter-faith accord and language diversity of the republic. The State Duma will contribute to ensuring the safety of all people staying in Crimea, regardless of their citizenship, nationality, language or religion, and to observing their legitimate rights and freedoms".Russian lawmakers issue statement on situation in Crimea http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724114 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140318134635/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724114 March 18, 2014 March 18, 2014 TASS Mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin congratulated residents of the Republic of Crimea. He recalled that Russians had always felt unity with Crimea and Sevastopol.Moscow mayor congratulates Crimea residents on decision to join Russia http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724053 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140318031944/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724053 March 18, 2014 March 17, 2014 TASS Serbia – Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to comment on Crimean referendum due to the caretaker status of the Government following the elections.MSP ne može da komentariše Ukrajinu The ICJ cannot comment on Ukraine http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2014&mm=03&dd=20&nav_category=11&nav_id=826264 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140320210848/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2014&mm=03&dd=20&nav_category=11&nav_id=826264 March 20, 2014 March 20, 2014 B92 South Korea – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "The sovereignty, territorial right and independence of Ukraine must necessarily be respected," adding that "Our government cannot recognize the (recent) referendum on Crimean people and Russia's (subsequent) annexation of Crimea."Seoul refuses to recognize Russia's Crimea annexation http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140319001413 live https://web.archive.org/web/20210301015831/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140319001413 March 1, 2021 March 19, 2014 The Korea Herald March 19, 2014 Turkey – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey stated that, "The result of the unlawful and illegitimate 'referendum' held in Crimea on Sunday, 16 March 2014, and the de facto situation that will prevail following the steps that will be taken in conjunction with this referendum will not bear any legal validity for Turkey and will not recognize."March 17, 2014 No: 86, 17 March 2014, Press Release Regarding the Referendum held in Crimea http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-86_-17-march-2014_-press-release-regarding-the-referendum-held-in-crimea.en.mfa dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140318192244/http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-86_-17-march-2014_-press-release-regarding-the-referendum-held-in-crimea.en.mfa March 18, 2014 March 18, 2014 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey mdy-all Also, Turkey supports and recognizes Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea.March 7, 2014 Turkey will continue to protect Crimean Tatars' rights, says Davutoğlu http://www.todayszaman.com/news-341491-turkey-will-continue-to-protect-crimean-tatars-rights-says-davutoglu.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140314083524/http://www.todayszaman.com//news-341491-turkey-will-continue-to-protect-crimean-tatars-rights-says-davutoglu.html March 14, 2014 March 15, 2014 Today's Zaman mdy-all Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has labeled the referendum as unhelpful in engendering a solution to the crisis.March 6, 2014 Ukraine to block Crimea's referendum decision http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/297794--ukraine-to-block-crimeas-referendum-decision live https://web.archive.org/web/20140307022822/http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/297794--ukraine-to-block-crimeas-referendum-decision March 7, 2014 March 7, 2014 Anadolu Agency United Kingdom – Prime Minister David Cameron has declared that any referendum vote in Crimea will be "illegal, illegitimate, and will not be recognized by the international community".March 10, 2014 David Cameron: Russia may face EU sanctions within days https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26517583 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140313092347/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26517583 March 13, 2014 March 15, 2014 BBC NewsMarch 10, 2014 UK will not recognise referendum in Crimea http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/299231--uk-will-not-recognise-referendum-in-crimea live https://web.archive.org/web/20140311034839/http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/299231--uk-will-not-recognise-referendum-in-crimea March 11, 2014 March 15, 2014 Anadolu Agency Foreign Secretary William Hague said that "I condemn the fact that this referendum has taken place. ... The UK does not recognise the referendum or its outcome. ... we believe measures must be adopted that send a strong signal to Russia that this challenge to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine will bring economic and political consequences."Sengupta Kim March 17, 2014 Crimea crisis: Foreign leaders condemn 'Russia's destabilising actions' as 93% vote in referendum for secession The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/crimea-crisis-foreign-leaders-condemn-russias-destabilising-actions-as-93-vote-in-referendum-for-secession-9195939.html live March 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140317032805/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/crimea-crisis-foreign-leaders-condemn-russias-destabilising-actions-as-93-vote-in-referendum-for-secession-9195939.html March 17, 2014 United States – The United States will not recognize the results of the referendum, and will continue to consider Crimea as part of Ukraine.October 20, 2012 US not recognizing any results of Crimean referendum – Pyatt http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/195203.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20140313031210/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/195203.html March 13, 2014 March 15, 2014 En.interfax.com.ua President Barack Obama claimed that the referendum would violate Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.De Carbonel Alissa March 6, 2014 Harper, world leaders reject proposed Crimean referendum Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/crimean-vice-premier-says-referendum-on-status-set-for-march-16-report/article17341409/ dead August 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20140309030102/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/crimean-vice-premier-says-referendum-on-status-set-for-march-16-report/article17341409/ March 9, 2014 UN ambassador Samantha Power called it "illegitimate and without any legal effect".Svyatets Ekaterina https://books.google.com/books?id=9a3hCgAAQBAJ&q=crimea+referendum Energy Security and Cooperation in Eurasia: Power, profits and politics 2016 Routledge 978-1-138-90261-9 162 October 14, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20220208171719/https://books.google.com/books?id=9a3hCgAAQBAJ&q=crimea+referendum February 8, 2022 live The United States issued limited sanctions on a number of Russian and Crimean officials. Venezuela – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused both the US and the EU of "double standards" over Crimea and recalled the Kosovo and Falkland Islands referendums as evidence.April 2014 Vietnam – The Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lê Hải Bình said that "the measures need to respect basic principles of international laws and legitimate aspirations of people so that the situation will soon be stable for peace and stability in the region and the world".Peaceful solutions to Crimea, Sevastopol issue March 21, 2014 http://news.chinhphu.vn/Home/Peaceful-solutions-to-Crimea-Sevastopol-issue/20143/20595.vgp live https://archive.today/20140322070237/http://news.chinhphu.vn/Home/Peaceful-solutions-to-Crimea-Sevastopol-issue/20143/20595.vgp March 22, 2014 March 22, 2014 States with limited recognition Abkhazia – President Alexander Ankvab stated that he "respects the will of Crimeans, supports and recognizes their momentous choice" and that the referendum "reflects the will of multi-national people of the peninsula". Nagorno-Karabakh – Foreign Ministry of the NKR said in a statement on March 17 that the referendum is "yet another manifestation of realization of the right of people to self-determination".March 17, 2014 Karabakh Recognizes Crimea Asbarez http://asbarez.com/120687/karabakh-recognizes-crimea/ dead March 17, 2014 https://archive.today/20140317172319/http://asbarez.com/120687/karabakh-recognizes-crimea/ March 17, 2014 On March 18, a concert was held in Stepanakert dedicated to the "self-determination of Crimea" and was attended, among others, by President Bako Sahakyan.Musayelyan Lusine Ղարաբաղում տոնական համերգով ողջունում են Ղրիմի ինքնորոշումը hy Crimea's self-determination celebrated in Karabakh ('Karabakh welcomes Crimean self-determination with a festive concert') Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Armenian Service http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25301545.html live March 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140320133225/http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25301545.html March 20, 2014 South Ossetia – Foreign Ministry stated that they "respect the right of population of Crimea to determine independently its fate."March 17, 2014 Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Recognize Crimea Vote Civil Georgia http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27044 live March 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20200807171843/https://old.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27044 August 7, 2020 Transnistria – Irina Kubanskikh, a spokeswoman for the Transnistrian parliament, said that the region's public bodies had "appealed to the Russian Federation leadership to examine the possibility of extending to Trans-Dniester the legislation, currently under discussion in the State Duma, on granting Russian citizenship and admitting new subjects into Russia."March 18, 2014 Moldova's Trans-Dniester region pleads to join Russia https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26627236 live https://web.archive.org/web/20180803050413/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26627236 August 3, 2018 June 21, 2018 BBC News European political parties Gábor Vona, leader of Hungary's Jobbik hailed the recent referendum in Crimea as "exemplary".Giannangeli Marco June 1, 2014 Nigel Farage is another of Moscow's darlings as Putin backs Right Sunday Express http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/479532/Nigel-Farage-is-another-of-Moscow-s-darlings-as-Putin-backs-Right live June 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140601063437/http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/479532/Nigel-Farage-is-another-of-Moscow-s-darlings-as-Putin-backs-Right June 1, 2014 Members of Austria's populist right-wing Freedom Party of Austria,Riedl Joachim April 10, 2015 Rechtspopulismus in Österreich: Ausgrenzen genügt nicht Right-wing populism in Austria: exclusion is not enough http://www.zeit.de/2015/15/rechtspopulismus-oesterreich-fpoe live https://web.archive.org/web/20150711182552/http://www.zeit.de/2015/15/rechtspopulismus-oesterreich-fpoe July 11, 2015 July 2, 2015 Die Zeit the Flemish nationalist group Vlaams Belang and France's National Front pronounced the referendum free and fair.Higgins Andrew May 20, 2014 Far-Right Fever for a Europe Tied to Russia The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/world/europe/europes-far-right-looks-to-russia-as-a-guiding-force.html?_r=0 live June 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140527023449/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/world/europe/europes-far-right-looks-to-russia-as-a-guiding-force.html?_r=0 May 27, 2014 Aftermath thumb|right|upright=1.12|Vladimir Putin (third, left), Sergey Aksyonov (first, left), Vladimir Konstantinov (second, left) and Aleksei Chalyi (right) sign the Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea The next day after the referendum, the parliament of Crimea asked the Russian Federation "to admit the Republic of Crimea as a new subject with the status of a republic".March 17, 2014 Crimea applies to be part of Russian Federation after vote to leave Ukraine The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/ukraine-crimea-russia-referendum-complain-result live December 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20140317155844/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/ukraine-crimea-russia-referendum-complain-result March 17, 2014 Luke Harding Shaun Walker Later on the same day, March 17, Putin issued a decree formally recognizing Crimea as an independent state.March 17, 2014 Путин подписал указ о признании Крыма независимым государством Putin signed a decree recognizing Crimea as an independent state RIA Novosti http://ria.ru/politics/20140317/999910739.html live March 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140317224321/http://ria.ru/politics/20140317/999910739.html March 17, 2014 On March 18, the Russian, Crimean, and Sevastopolian leadership signed the Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia,Договор между Российской Федерацией и Республикой Крым о принятии в Российскую Федерацию Республики Крым и образовании в составе Российской Федерации новых субъектов March 18, 2014 Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Crimea on the admission of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation and the formation of new subjects within the Russian Federation http://kremlin.ru/news/20605 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140320160611/http://www.kremlin.ru/news/20605 March 20, 2014 March 23, 2014 Kremlin which was ratified by the Russian Federal Assembly on March 21.March 21, 2014 Russian Federation Council ratifies treaty on Crimea's entry to Russia http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724749 live https://web.archive.org/web/20141124181441/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724749 November 24, 2014 March 21, 2014 ITAR TASS A transition period was in force for integrating Crimean governmental institutions, ending on January 1, 2015.Anatoliy Pronin A treaty of accession of the Republic of Crimea and Sebastopol to the Russian Federation. Unofficial English translation with little commentary https://www.academia.edu/6481091 live https://web.archive.org/web/20220208182718/https://www.academia.edu/6481091 February 8, 2022 April 2, 2014 Academia.edu After the seizure of Ukrainian naval base at Feodosia on March 24, Russian troops have seized most of Ukraine's military bases in Crimea. On the same day, the acting president of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov, ordered the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from Crimean peninsula.March 24, 2014 Ukraine orders Crimea troop withdrawal as Russia seizes naval base https://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/24/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140324201338/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/24/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/ March 24, 2014 March 24, 2014 CNN HumanRights See also 2022 annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukraine 2014 Donbas status referendums 1991 Ukrainian independence referendum Ethnic Russians in post-Soviet states Russian irredentism 1991 Transcarpathian general regional referendum Notes 30em References 30em Crimea Crimea Category:Events affected by the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea Category:Articles containing video clips Category:Referendums in Crimea Category:Russian referendums in Ukraine Category:Separatism in Ukraine Crimea Crimea Category:Sovereignty referendums Category:Republic of Crimea