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2014 Crimean crisis
Part of the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution
Location of Crimea (dark green) in Europe within Ukraine (light green)
Date23 February 2014–present
(10 years, 10 months and 5 days)
Location
Crimea, Ukraine
Caused by
Methods
  • Protests
  • Unmarked military operations in Crimea
  • Concentration of Russian Military Forces
  • General mobilization in Ukraine
StatusOngoing
Parties
Lead figures
Number

Protesters

Volunteer units[17]

  • 5,000 (Sevastopol)
  • 1,700 (Simferopol)

Russian Infantry

  • 6,000–28,000

Armed insurgents

  • 300

Protesters

  • 4,000 — 10,000 (Simferopol)[9][16]

Ukrainian military forces

  • About 50,000 troopers
Casualties and losses
Several serious injuries[16]
2-3 civilians dead [18][19][20]
Further information: 2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine

The 2014 Crimean crisis is unfolding in the autonomous region of Crimea, Ukraine, in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, in which the government of President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted. Protests were staged by Pro-Russian groups who opposed the events in Kiev and wanted closer ties or integration with Russia, in addition to expanded autonomy or possible independence for Crimea.[1] Other groups, predominantly consisting of Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians, protested in support of the revolution.[21]

On 27 February, armed men wearing masks seized a number of important buildings in Crimea, including the parliament building and two airports.[22][23] [24] They destroyed almost all telecommunication and Internet service between Crimea and the rest of Ukraine.[25] Under siege, the Supreme Council of Crimea dismissed the autonomous republic's government and replaced chairman of the Council of Ministers of Crimea, Anatolii Mohyliov with Sergey Aksyonov.[26]

The Russian troops stationed in Crimea on bilateral agreement were being reinforced and two vessels of the Russian Baltic Fleet breached Ukrainian waters.[27][28]

Kiev accused Russia of intervening in Ukraine's internal affairs, while the Russian side officially denied such claims.[29] On 1 March, the Russian parliament granted President Vladimir Putin the authority to use military force in Ukraine, following a plea for help from unofficial pro-Moscow leader, Sergey Aksyonov.[30][31]

On the same day, the acting president of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov decreed the appointment of the Prime Minister of Crimea as unconstitutional.[32][33][34] And there was information that there may have been falsification during the vote on referendum and change of government in Crimea.[35]

On 2 March, several Ukrainian military objects were reported under siege or assaulted[36][37] as Ukraine declared full battle alert and general mobilization across the country.[38] The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that there were attempts of disinformation which claimed about surrendering of Ukrainian military in Crimea and do not correspond the reality.[39][40] The United States and its allies have condemned Russia's invasion of Crimea, urging Russia to withdraw.[41][42] Putin tells Obama Russia has 'right' to protect interests.[43]

Background

Map of Crimea
See also: History of Crimea, Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, and 2010 Kharkiv Pact

Crimea had been part of Russia since the 18th century, although ethnic Russians did not become the largest population group in Crimea until the 20th century.[44] Crimea had autonomy within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic as the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic from 1921 until 1945, when Stalin deported the Crimean Tatar majority and abolished Crimean autonomy.[45] In 1954, the Soviet leadership under Khrushchev transferred the Crimean Oblast from the Russian SFSR to the Ukrainian SSR. Crimea's pre-1945 autonomy was re-established in the final year of the Soviet Union's existence, 1991.

The autonomous region of Crimea has been part of independent Ukraine since 1991. Its legal status as part of Ukraine was recognized by Russia, who pledged to uphold the territorial integrity of Ukraine in the Budapest memorandum signed in 1994. This treaty was also signed by the United States, United Kingdom and France.[46][47] Further developments in Crimea and the future of Russian Black Sea Fleet bases in it have been a point of contention in Russian-Ukrainian relations.[46]

According to the 2001 census, ethnic Russians make up about 58% of the two million residents of Crimea. In Sevastopol, which houses a base for the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet (for more see: 2010 Kharkiv Pact), ethnic Russians make up 70% of the city's population of 340,000.[48] Ukrainians make up 24% of the Crimean population, while 12% are Crimean Tatars.[45][48] Crimean Tatars were not permitted to return home, and became an international cause celebre,[49] until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The continuing migration of Crimean Tatars to the region since the Soviet collapse is causing persistent tensions with Russians over land rights.[45]

In the 2010 local parliamentary elections, the Party of Regions received 357,030 votes, with the second-placed party, the Communist Party of Ukraine, receiving 54,172 votes.[50] Both parties were targeted by protesters during the 2014 Ukrainian revolution.[51][52][53]

According to Taras Kuzio, during the Viktor Yushchenko presidency (2005–10), Russia's relations with Ukraine deteriorated, prompting the Russian security service (FSB) and Russian military intelligence (GRU) to expand their covert support for pro-Russian forces in Southern Ukraine and Russian separatists in Crimea.[54] Following the Orange Revolution and the 2008 Russia–Georgia war, American diplomatic cables later leaked to the public noted that Russian military action against Ukraine was "no longer unthinkable."[55]

Revolution in Kiev

Main articles: Euromaidan and 2014 Ukrainian revolution

Towards the end of 2013, anti-government Euromaidan protests began over the issue of the accession of Ukraine to the European Union, which President Viktor Yanukovich rejected. His rejection was perceived by the media as a step closer towards Russia. The protests escalated in early 2014 and eventually led to deaths of both protesters and government forces on 20 February.[56] The Ukrainian parliament then voted to impeach Yanukovich on 21 February during the 2014 Ukrainian revolution.[56] Some residents of the eastern and southern parts of the country protested against the new regime in Kiev.[13] The Parliament of Crimea called for an extraordinary session on 21 February. The leader of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov stated that he suspected that the session might ask for Russian military intervention.[57]

On 21 February 2014, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) issued a statement which promised that "it will use severe measures to prevent any action taken against diminishing the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."[nb 1] The same day the pro-Russian Party of Regions who held 80 of the 100 seats in the Crimean Parliament,[59] did not discuss issues relating to the separation of Crimea from Ukraine and appeared to support the deal struck between President Yanukovych and the opposition to end the crises signed the same day.[60]

On 23 February 2014, following the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, the law on languages of minorities, including Russian, was abolished, making Ukrainian the sole state language at all levels.[61] The CSM reported: "The cancellation of this language law only served to infuriate Russian-speaking regions, who saw the move as more evidence that the antigovernment protests in Kiev that managed to topple Mr. Yanukovych's government were intent on pressing for a nationalistic agenda. It only deepened tensions in the Crimea, for example, where the idea that the protesters on Maidan were radical fascists."[62]

Timeline of the events

23–26 February

In Simferopol, on 23 February 2014 a pro-Euromaidan rally of between 5,000–15,000 was held in support of the new Ukrainian authorities.[9] The protesters also demanded the resignation of the Crimean parliament; attendees waved Ukrainian, Tatar and European Union flags.[63] Meanwhile in Sevastopol, thousands protested against the new authorities and voted to establish a parallel administration and civil defense squads created with the support of Russian Night Wolves bikers. Protesters waved Russian flags and chanted "Putin is our president" and claimed they would refuse to pay further taxes to the state.[64][65] Russian military convoys were also alleged to be seen in the area.[65] In Kerch, pro-Russian protesters attempted to remove the Ukrainian flag from atop city hall and replace it with the flag of Russia. Over 200 attended waving flags of Russia, orange-and-black St. George and the Russian Unity party. Mayor Oleh Osadchy attempted to disperse the crowd and police eventually arrived to keep the protesters at bay. Osadchy said: "This is the territory of Ukraine, Crimea. Here's a flag of Crimea" but was accused of treason and a fight ensued over the flagpole.[66]

On 24 February, the Prime Minister of Crimea Anatolii Mohyliov declared that the region would carry out all laws passed by the Ukrainian parliament.[67] That same day, more protesters rallied outside the Sevastopol administration offices.[68] Pro-Russian demonstrators accompanied by neo-Cossacks demanded the selection of a Russian citizen as mayor (which was refused by the city council) and planted Russian flags at city hall; they also handed out leaflets calling for volunteers to a militia and warning that the "Blue-Brown Europlague is knocking."[69] On 25 February, several hundred pro-Russian protesters blocked the Crimean parliament demanding a referendum on Crimea's independence.[70]

On 25 February, Sevastopol chose Aleksei Chalyi, a Russian citizen, as mayor.[17] This was controversial because Sevastopol has no mayor[nb 2] as the Chairman of the Sevastopol City State Administration who is appointed by the President of Ukraine by statute fulfils this role.[71] A thousand protesters present chanted "a Russian mayor for a Russian city." Crowds gathered again outside Sevastopol's city hall again as rumours spread that security forces could arrest Aleksei Chalyi, but police chief Alexander Goncharov said that his officers would refuse to carry out "criminal orders" issued by the central government. Viktor Neganov, a Sevastopol-based adviser to the interior minister, condemned the events in the city as a coup. "Chalyi represents the interests of the Kremlin which likely gave its tacit approval." The Chairman of the Sevastopol City State Administration, appointed by the President of Ukraine, Vladimir Yatsuba, was booed and whistled on 23 February when he told a pro-Russian rally that Crimea was a part of Ukraine. He resigned the next day.[72] In Simferopol, the Regional State Administration building was blockaded with hundreds of protesters, including neo-Cossacks, demanding a referendum of separation; the rally was organized by the Crimean Front.[73]

On 26 February, thousands of protesters clashed in Simferopol.[74] Near the Supreme Council of Crimea building between 4,000 and 5,000 Crimean Tatars and supporters of the Euromaidan-Crimea movement faced 600-700 supporters of pro-Russian organisations and the Russian Unity Party.[9] Chairman of the Supreme Council of Crimea Volodymyr Konstantinov said that the Crimean parliament will not discuss the issue of separation from Ukraine and that earlier reports that parliament would discuss the motion were provocations.[75] One of the pro-Russian demonstrators stated she didn’t want to live in a country controlled by “fascists from western Ukraine" who she believes were intent on eliminating the Russian language and culture.[48] And a Crimean Tatar stated “We don’t expect anything good from Russia, Ukrainian nationalists and Crimean nationalists have the same enemy: Russia."[48] During the clashes, one man died of a heart attack and a woman died from being trampled.[18] Crimean Tatars created self-defense groups and called on activists to unite with Russian, Ukrainian and people of other nationalities to avoid provocations and to protect churches, mosques, synagogues and other important sites.[76] By nightfall, the Crimean Tatars had left,[77] while the pro-Russian rally had grown to 5,000 as protesters arrived from Sevastopol later in the day.[16] The new Ukrainian regime's acting Interior Minister Arsen Avakov tasked Crimean law enforcement agencies not to provoke conflicts and to do whatever necessary to prevent clashes with pro-Russian forces and added that "I think, that way - through a dialogue - we shall achieve much more than with standoffs "[78] The new head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Valentyn Nalyvaichenko requested United Nations round-the-clock monitoring of the security situation on the peninsula.[79]

Also on 26 February, media claimed that Russian troops or (as they themselves claimed) local volunteers took control of the main route of access to Sevastopol.[48] A military checkpoint, with military vehicles under a Russian flag, was set up on the main highway between the city and Simferopol.[48] CNN described them as a "pro-Russian militia checkpoint".[80]

27–28 February

See also: Crimean referendum, 2014
File:Crimean parliament in Simferopol.JPG
The Supreme Council of Crimea building in Simferopol

On 27 February at 4:20 local time, a group of 60 Russian-speaking gunmen seized Crimea's parliament building and Council of Ministers building. They are said to be professionals and heavily armed.[81] 30 broke into the building initially, with a bus carrying another 30 people and additional firearms arriving later.[82] The gunmen were unmarked but raised Russian flags.[83]

Under seige, the Supreme Council of Crimea (Crimea's parliament) held an emergency session to dismiss the Prime Minister of Crimea and approved a no-confidence vote for Anatolii Mohyliov to be replaced with Sergey Aksyonov of Crimea's Russian Unity party.Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page). They voted to hold a referendum on the status of Crimea on May 25, 2014.

Interfax-Ukraine reported "it is impossible to find out whether all the 64 members of the 100-member legislature who were registered as present at when the two decisions were voted on or whether someone else used the plastic voting cards of some of them" because due to the armed occupation of parliament it was unclear how many MPs were present.[84] The head of parliament's information and analysis department, Olha Sulnikova, had phoned from inside the parliamentary building to journalists and had told them 61 of the registered 64 deputies had voted for the referendum resolution and 55 for the resolution to dismiss the government.[84] They also installed a new Prime Minister. According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the Prime Minister of Crimea is appointed by the Supreme Council of Crimea in consultation with the President of Ukraine.[85][86]

The chairman of the Supreme Council of Crimea, Volodymyr Konstantinov, as well as new PM Aksenov, refused to recognize the dismissal of Viktor Yanukovych from presidential office, and view him as legitimate.[87][88] Aksenov added "we will follow his directions".[89]

The new Prime Minister of Ukraine, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, warned "We must immediately declare that anyone who is on the streets with guns - these people are prosecuted by law".[90]

In the early hours of 28 February a group of 50–119[5] armed men in military uniform without signs of identification seized Simferopol International Airport.[91] Airport authorities later denied that it had been "captured" and said that it was still operating normally despite the continuing armed presence.[92][93] Later in the day, Sevastopol International Airport was occupied in a similar manner as Simferopol's airport.[94] According to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Arsen Avakov, soldiers without identification are Russian Black Sea Fleet troops.[5] Later some Russian television channels announced that airports are guarded by the Crimean self-defense patrols.[95] It was then claimed that militants in Simferopol airport are soldiers of the Russian MI whose plane was noticed at the Hvardiyske Airport (Hvardiiske) near Simferopol.[96]

According to the official website of the Night Wolves bikers club, they are guarding the state administration in Sevastopol.[97]

On 28 February 2014, a missile boat of the Russian Federation blocked the Balaklava Harbor, where ships of the Ukrainian Sea Guard are stationed.[98] Eight Russian military helicopters were moved to Sevastopol from Anapa.[99] On 28 February 2014, at the UN Security Council, it was announced that the helicopters were not transportation crafts, but rather an assault Mi-24. Serhiy Kunitsyn informed journalists that Crimea is to be visited by the Russian delegation of Vladimir Zhirinovsky and Konstantin Zatulin.[100]

Serhiy Kunitsyn informed journalists that 13 Russian planes IL-76 with Russian airborne troops landed in the Hvardiyske military airport (Hvardiiske).[101] Kunitsyn stated that each plane may hold about 150 people.[101]

The Ukrainian parliamentarian, Petro Poroshenko, who arrived in Simferopol, was attacked by an angry mob, but managed to get away unharmed.[102] Chairman of the Supreme Council of Crimea Volodymyr Konstantinov was booed by a gathered crowd of protesters who were yelling "Crimea - Russia".[103]

On 28 February, The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine acknowledged the threat of possible takeovers of military units in Crimea during the night on Saturday by radical forces.[104] On February 28, facing possible Russian intervention, U.S. President Barack Obama stated that any military action would "Come at a cost," following his denunciation of Russian aggression in the region.

1 March–present

Main article: 2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine

On 1 March, new Crimean Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov appealed directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a statement calling for Russia to "provide assistance in ensuring peace and tranquility on the territory" of Crimea.[105] Meanwhile, Aksyonov is taking control of "security [in Crimea] on a temporary basis", he said. All commanders are to obey his orders or "resign".[105] Akysonov also announced that the date of the self-sovereignty referendum was moved up to 30 March.[105]

Valentina Matviyenko, the head of the Council of Federation of Russia, has expressed the opinion that ″by accepting the request of the government of Crimea, even a limited contingent [of troops]″ will perhaps be sent in order to ″ensure the safety of the Black Sea Fleet and the citizens of Russia living in the territory of Crimea.″[106]

Protests against the new authorities in Kiev and in support of Russians in Crimea occurred throughout Eastern and Southern Ukraine on 1 March.[107] Protesters in Donetsk reportedly raised the Russian tricolor over the Donetsk Oblast Regional Administration building, in addition to electing a new pro-Russian governor.[108] Protesters in Mariupol also protested in front of regional offices, waving Russian flags.[109] In Kharkiv, protesters seized the regional administration building, replacing a Ukrainian flag with a Russian one. A representative of the new government in Kiev attempted to talk with the protesters, but was attacked by the crowd.[110] Between 5,000 to 20,000 participated in a pro-Russian demonstration in Odessa.[111] Russian flags were reportedly raised in Melitopol and Yevpatoria.[7]

On 1 March, the interim president of Ukraine, Turchynov, signed a decree declaring the appointment of Sergei Aksyonov as the head of the government of Crimea to be unconstitutional.[33]

Russian President Vladimir Putin formally asked the Federation Council on 1 March for permission to “use the armed forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine until the normalization of the socio-political situation in the that country."[112] Hours later, the Federation Council voted unanimously to grant permission.[113][114]

The City Council of Donetsk urged its regional parliament to announce a date for a referendum on "the future of the Donbass region."[7]

The Consulate of the Russian Federation in Simferopol started to issue Russian passports to residents of Ukraine.[115] One of the first who were granted Russian citizenship in Crimea were the former Ukrainian riot police Berkut.[115]

On 1 March, the Ukrainian Navy was forced to leave its naval base in Sevastopol.[116][117] Earlier the Ukrainian Sea Guard was forced out of its base as well.[116][117] Later some journalists dismissed that information, stating that it was disinformation posted by RIA News.[116]

On 1 March, Ukrainian journalists were prohibited from entering the Crimean region.[118] The prohibition was reportedly ordered by members of the Supreme Council.

On 1 March, it became known that decisions on replacement of the government and a referendum in Crimea were falsified, according to Ukrainian media.[119][120][121]

According to Damon Wilson, vice president of the Atlantic Council, the United States Congress is "considering authorizing [a] defense arms package to Ukraine".[122][123]

On 2 March, a Ukrainian marine infantry detachment stationed around Feodosiya was surrounded by armed men demanding surrender by 9:00AM EET. In Sudak, radar station personnel were forced to give up their arms.[124] The Ukrainian Navy building in Sevastopol is under siege and land-based assault by the Russian Army according to Ukrainska Pravda.[36]

RIA Novosti is reporting that units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces assigned to Crimea are resigning on a "massive scale", as of March 2.[125] According to Crimea's deputy prime minister, Rustam Temirgaliev, the Ukrainian armed forces have all but surrendered their military capabilities and that no active units remain in the Crimea.[125] Temirgaliev also promised the Crimean Tatar minority a place in the new Supreme Council, adding that funding for programs of resettlement and reintegration of those deported during the Stalin era will be "plentiful".[125]

On 2 March, Acting President Olexander Turchynov ordered all Ukrainian military reservists to be called up.[126]

At an Ukrainian military base near the town of Perevalne, there is currently a standoff ongoing between a handful of Ukrainian troops loyal to Kiev and the surrounding Russian/Crimean forces.[127]

Reactions

File:VOA Crimea occupation report.webm
Voice of America report on the situation in Crimea, 28 February

Ukraine

Three previous presidents of Ukraine accused Russia of interfering in Crimean affairs.[128] Interim Ukraine President Oleksandr Turchynov at the start of the protests warned that there is a "serious risk" of separatism in parts of the country.[15][16] On 27 February 2014, the Central Election Commission of Ukraine claimed that regional referendum is impossible due to lack of necessary legislative basis for such.[129] On 27 February 2014, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Turchynov instructed to develop a new law "About language".[130]

The new Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk stated in his maiden speech of 27 February "Ukraine will use all legal constitutional methods to preserve the territorial integrity of the state. Crimea was, is and will be a part of Ukraine!”.[131]

On 27 February 2014, the MFA of Ukraine in response to the MID statement stated that the responsibility for non-compliance with the agreement on settlement of the crisis lies on the fourth president Viktor Yanukovych.[132] "In Ukraine, it is honored the importance of the crisis settlement Agreement which was signed on 21 February 2014 by current at the time president of Ukraine, opposition leaders and witnessed by officials of Germany, France and Poland.[132] In this regard, we express disappointment that the representative of the Russian Federation, who also participated in the negotiation and drafting of the document, refused to testify this Agreement.[132] It is possible that it was that factor that become at the end one of the reasons for the rejection by the former president of Ukraine to fulfill arrangements of the Agreement aimed at stabilizing the domestic life in the country," - said in the document.[132]

On 28 February 2014, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution on events in Crimea.[133] "Verkhovna Rada demands from the Russian Federation to stop steps that have signs of encroachment on state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including to refuse supporting separatism in Ukraine in any form," - it was said in the ruling.[133][134]

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Turchynov dismissed Yuriy Ilyin as the Chief of the General Staff. During the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution Ilyin was reportedly preparing a military operation against the protest movement in Kyiv. Ilyin reportedly had a heart attack after meeting with the newly-appointed mayor of Sevastopol.[135]

Due to the events in Crimea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine initiated bilateral consultations with Russia and indicated its readiness to initiate consultations within the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances framework if it receives no response.[136]

The General Prosecutor office intended to raise the issue of the extradition of Viktor Yanukovych, who was confirmed to be in Russia.[137] On 28 February, foreign observers speculated that Russia could extradite Yanukovych to the proper authorities only in exchange for Ukrainian non-intervention in Crimea.[citation needed] on February 28, the General Prosecutor of Ukraine Oleh Makhnitsky formally asked Russia to extradite Yanukovych.[138]

On 28 February, Dmytro Yarosh, the leader of the Right Sector, denounced reports of Right Sector putting together armed units to be sent to Crimea; "Right Sector hopes that a way out of this difficult situation will be found exclusively in the political field, without using forcible methods. Right Sector believes that all parties and non-governmental organizations of Ukraine should forget strife and unite when it comes to the preservation of Ukraine's integrity. We should help politicians in settling this conflict peacefully".[139] On 1 March, initial reports said that Dmytro Yarosh asked Dokka Umarov, Chechen militant associated with al-Qaeda, for support of Ukraine;[140] but later it was announced about fake statement from his hacked account.[141]

On 1 March 2014, the acting President of Ukraine sign an edict where he pointed out that appointment of Sergei Aksyonov as the Chairman of the Councils of Ministers of Crimea was in violation with the Constitution of Ukraine and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.[142]

All three former presidents of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko called on Ukraine to renounce the Kharkiv Agreements.[143] Leonid Kuchma's press-center later denounced such a statement on behalf of Leonid Kuchma. [144]

On March 1, 2014, the acting President of Ukraine ordered the Armed Forces of Ukraine to full combat readiness.[145]

Crimea

Percentage of people with Russian as their native language according to 2001 census (in regions).

Operations of the Kerch ferry were suspended on 27 February 2014.[146] The Ukrainians in Crimea called on Ukrainian officials to secure peace and security for Crimeans and for European officials to influence the Russian position in regards to separatist attitudes.[147] The new chairman of the Council of Ministers hopes to receive financial help from the Russian Federation with support from Viktor Yanukovych.[148] In the telephone conversation Volodymyr Konstantinov explained Nestor Shufrych (MP) that Crimea does not want a secession, but only to expand its right.[149] The former chief of the general staff Yuriy Ilyin was reported to be hospitalized with a heart attack in the Ukrainian Navy hospital in Sevastopol.[150]

Viktor Yanukovych

Late at night on 27 February 2014, the former president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, who is wanted along with Zakharchenko under suspicion of mass killing of people,[151] arrived in Rostov-on-Don escorted by jet fighters.[152] On 28 February he conducted a press-conference.[152] In this press conference Yanukovych stated "Crimea must remain part of the Ukrainian state retaining broad autonomy rights".[153] According to him the unrest in Crimea was "an absolutely natural reaction to the bandit coup that has occurred in Kiev"; and he stated he was confident that the people of Crimea "do not want to obey and will not obey nationalists and bandits".[153] He insisted that military action was "unacceptable" and that he would not request Russian military intervention.[154][155]

Russia

The State Duma Committee on Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, headed by Leonid Slutsky, visited Simferopol on 25 February 2014 and said: "If the parliament of the Crimean autonomy or its residents express the wish to join the Russian Federation, Russia will be prepared to consider this sort of application. We will be examining the situation and doing so fast."[156] They also stated that in the event of a referendum for Crimea region joining Russian Federation they would consider its results "very fast".[157][158] Later Slutsky announced that he was misunderstood by Crimean press and no decision regarding simplifying the process of acquiring Russian citizenship for people in Crimea has been made yet.[159] And added that if "fellow Russian citizens are in jeopardy you understand that we do not stay away".[160] On 25 February in a meeting with Crimean politicians he stated that Viktor Yanukovych was still the legitimate president of Ukraine.[161] That same day in the Russian Duma, they announced they were determining measures so that Russians in Ukraine who 'did not want to break from the Russian World' could acquire Russian citizenship.[162]

On 26 February 2014 Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian Armed Forces to be "put on alert in the Western Military District as well as units stationed with the 2nd Army Central Military District Command involved in aerospace defense, airborne troops and long-range military transport." Despite media speculation it was for in reaction to the events in Ukraine Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said it was in separate consideration from the unrest in Ukraine.[163]

On 27 February 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia dismissed any accusations about violation by the Russian side of the basic agreements in regards of the Black Sea Fleet: "All movements of armored vehicles are undertaken in full compliance with the basic agreements and did not require any approvals".[164][165] That claim was also supported by the Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia Anatoliy Antonov.[166]

On 27 February 2014, the Russian governing agencies presented the new law project on granting a citizenship.[167]

MID of Russia called on the West and particularly NATO to "abandon the provocative statements and respect the neutral status of Ukraine".[168] In its statement the MID claims that agreement on settlement of the crisis which was signed on 21 February and was witnessed by foreign ministries from Germany, Poland and France has to this date, not been implemented[168] (Vladimir Lukin from Russia had not signed it[169]).

The Black Sea Fleet administration made a press release denying any accusations of airports occupation.[170]

According to RIA News, the faction A Just Russia initiated in the State Duma amendments to the law on accession to the Russian Federation.[171]

According to ITAR-TASS, the Russian Ministry of Transport discontinued its further talks with Ukraine in regards to the Kerch Strait Bridge project.[172]

In Russian social networks are gathering volunteers who served in army to go to Ukraine.[173]

On 28 February President Putin stated it was of "extreme importance of not allowing a further escalation of violence and the necessity of a rapid normalisation of the situation in Ukraine" in telephone calls with key EU leaders.[155]

The Federation Council approved that Russia may introduce a limited contingent of Russian troops in the Crimea[clarification needed] for the security of the Black Sea Fleet and the Russians.[174]

On 1 March, State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to use all resources available to protect the Crimean population from lawlessness and violence.[175]

Mass actions in support of Russian-speakers in Ukraine were held in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Krasnodar. The Russian motorbike club Night Wolves launched a motor rally in Moscow in support of Crimean residents. The rally involved about 50 motor cars and motorbikes. Another motor rally under the moto “We Don’t Forsake Our Guys” started on Moscow’s Vorobyevy Hills.[176]

Propaganda war

The Channel One of Russia spoke about mass migration from Ukraine to Russia showing video footage with situation on the border with Poland.[177]

Opposition to the military involvement

On March 1, 2014 five people who were picketing next to the Federation Council building against invasion of Ukraine were arrested.[178] The next day about 200 people protested at the building of the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow against Russian military involvement.[179] About 500 people also gathered to protest on the Manezhnaya Square in Moscow and the same number of people on the Saint Isaac's Square in Saint Petersburg.[180] On March 2 about eleven protesters demonstrated in Yekaterinburg against Russian involvement, with some wrapped in the Ukrainian flag.[181] Protests were also held in Chelyabinsk on the same day.[182]

Other

Supranational organizations

  •  European Union — On March 1, Foreign Affairs Chief Catherine Ashton stated that the EU "deplores" Russia's decision to use military action in Ukraine, describing it as an "unwarranted escalation of tensions." She called on "all sides to decrease the tensions immediately through dialogue, in full respect of Ukrainian and international law." And added that "The unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected at all times and by all sides. Any violation of these principles is unacceptable. More than ever, restraint and sense of responsibility are needed."[183]

Intergovernmental organizations

  • OSCE – A diplomatic group was dispatched by the OSCE consisting of official representative and a head of the OSCE Commissar on affairs of national minorities.[184]
  •  United Nations — On March 1, while members of the UN Security Council were meeting in an emergency closed-door session, a spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered a statement saying that the Secretary General was "gravely concerned about the deterioration of the situation" in Ukraine and planned to speak shortly with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ban's statement called for "full respect for and preservation of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and demanded "immediate restoration of calm and direct dialogue between all concerned."[185] The Security Council itself expressed support for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The Council agreed that it was important that all political actors in Ukraine exercise maximum restraint and called for an inclusive dialogue recognizing the diversity of the Ukrainian society.[186]
  •  NATO — On March 2, 2014, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen convened the North Atlantic Council today because of Russia’s military action in Ukraine. And because of President Putin’s threats against this sovereign nation.[187]

States

  •  Australia - On March 2, the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that Russia's actions in Ukraine were "not the kind... of a friend and neighbour and I think Russia should back off".[188]
  •  Belarus – On 28 February 2014, the Foreign Ministry expressed its concerns about events in Ukraine.[189]
  •  Bulgaria — On March 1, Bulgaria's President Rosen Plevneliev said in a statement that "Bulgaria is for preserving the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the democratic future of Ukraine". The President further said that the presence of foreign forces and their unauthorized activity within the territory of a sovereign state "raises serious concern" and called for an end to any provocative actions that could lead to "irreparable consequences not only for the region, but also for the international order".[190] In a later statement that day, following the Russia's Parliament decree allowing the usage of Russian armed forces in Crimea, President Plevneliev reiterated that "the only lasting solution may be achieved by peaceful means and if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine is guaranteed" and that "[t]he usage of military force to occupy foreign territories is violation of the rules of international law". The President also called on the UN Security Council and the countries-guarantors to the Budapest Memorandum to ensure a peaceful solution to the problem and to avoid a further escalation of the tension. In conclusion, President Plevneliev stated that "[t]he people of Ukraine should alone decide what their future should be in a democratic way", reminding that new presidential elections are due to be held in Ukraine in May 2014.[191]
  •  Canada —On Feb. 28 Foreign Minister Baird "congratulated the new government and emphasized the need to honour the 1994 Budapest Declaration’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and national unity at this critical time."[192] On a March 1 phone call President Obama and Prime Minister Harper "affirmed the importance of unity within the international community in support of international law, and the future of Ukraine and its democracy.'[193] On the same day, Harper condemned Russia's military intervention in Ukraine; He announced that Canada had both recalled its ambassador to Russia and withdrew from preparations for the 40th G8 summit, which is to be chaired by Russia.[42]
  •  Estonia — Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated on March 1 that, "The Russian parliament's decision to authorise the use of troops in Ukraine is a clear threat to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," and that Russia's "...military threats and actions against Ukraine must stop." He called for the Ukrainian leadership to pursue all actions to reduce tensions and restore societal unity.[194]
  •  Finland — Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja stated on March 1, that Russia is implementing an military takeover of Crimean territory and by doing so Russia is violating several international treaties and laws. [195]
  •  France — The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romen Nadal, expressed his concerns on events in Crimea and reminded the foreign minister Laurent Fabius repeatedly called upon to preserve the unity and integrity of Ukraine.[196]
  •  Georgia — President Giorgi Margvelashvili called on the international community "not to allow new conflict in Europe and to use all the available means in order to avert possible aggression and to preserve sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."[197]
  •  Hungary — In a statement issued 1 March, Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the situation on the Crimean Peninsula. The Ministry noted that the Visegrád Four Foreign Ministers had asked both the Kiev government leaders and the Donetsk region's political leaders to abstain from provocative steps that may heighten tension and lead to violence.[198]
  •  Ireland - Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore expressed concern regarding the developments in Ukraine. The Irish Government called on the Russian Federation to abide by international law and to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence. [199]
  •  Lithuania — The Foreign Ministry announced that it called the Russia Ambassador to Lithuania to discuss the situation in Ukraine.[200]
  •  Poland — On March 1, 2014 Poland "strongly appeal[ed] for respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and observing international law, including fundamental principles of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe...We urge states-signatories to the Budapest Memorandum of December 1994, which gives Ukraine security assurances, to respect and fulfil their commitments.[201]
  •  Romania — On the 2nd of March, president Traian Basescu said that any Russian Federation military presence in Ukraine, without Ukraine's approval and beyond the limits of bilateral accords, would be seen as an act of aggression. [202]
  •  Spain — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation released a statement in support of the new Ukrainian government, saying the following: "The Spanish government is concerned about the situation in Ukraine, which remains uncertain and unstable. The current tension in Crimea is especially concerning". The government also expressed its "full support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine", and urged all actors to "cooperate in finding a solution, while dismissing any use of force".[203]
  •  Sweden — Foreign Minister Carl Bildt tweeted on March 1, "Russian military intervention in Ukraine is clearly against international law and principles of European security."[204]
  •  Turkey — Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu stated on 28 February that "Turkey attaches importance to democracy and democracy-based political stability in Ukraine's future" and that "Crimea is important for Turkey as it is Turkey's door to Ukraine and it is also important for our Tatar compatriots."[205]
  •  United Kingdom — The Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "deeply concerned" at the escalation of tensions and the decision of the Russian parliament to authorise military action. He also said "This action is a potentially grave threat to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We condemn any act of aggression against Ukraine". [206]
  •  United States — Secretary of State John Kerry said in a press conference with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on 27 February, "We all have to understand that nowhere is there a greater connection to or link to Russia in several different ways than there is in Crimea, but that as the days unfold, this should not become a tension or a struggle between the United States, Russia, East, West, et cetera. This is about the people of Ukraine being able to make their decisions." Kerry further urged Russia to respect Ukraine's borders and territorial integrity.[207] The US offered Russia cooperation to resolve situation in Ukraine.[208]
On 28 February, President Barack Obama's statement was released warning Russia not to intervene in Crimea. The statement said that President Obama is "deeply concerned by reports of military movements taken by the Russian Federation inside of Ukraine." It added that "any violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be deeply destabilizing, which is not in the interest of Ukraine, Russia, or Europe" and that it would be "a clear violation of Russia's commitment to respect the independence and sovereignty and borders of Ukraine, and of international laws."[209] John Kerry condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 2 March in an interview for Face the Nation. He called it an "incredible act of aggression," and said that "you just don't in the 21st century behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pretext."[41]

Commentary

Several scholars, including Alexander J. Motyl, Paul A. Goble, Timothy D. Snyder, and Andreas Umland, have discussed the possibility of Russian military intervention in Crimea specifically, due to its unique geopolitical nature and demographics.[210][211]

Nina L. Khrushcheva, the great-granddaughter of former Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and a Russian Affairs professor at the The New School, says that the aims of Crimea is not necessarily independence from Ukraine, but rather continued dependence on Russia. However, this has instead led Putin to justify continued backing for Yanukovych as well as his own desires to re-take the peninsula. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that Putin's long term goal may not annexation of Crimea, since this could cause ethnic Crimean Tatars, who had been forcibly displaced by Stalin to Central Asia, to demand a return to Crimea and possibly cause the Islamic insurgency to spread out of Northern Caucasus. Furthermore, she also states that if Russia sets a precedent of recovering "lost territory", this could inspire countries such as China or Georgia to demand back their own "stolen lands". [212]

Volodymyr Panchenko, of the Kiev-based think-tank International Center for Policy Studies, says that the aim of Russia is for Crimea to be "more or less controlled by Russian troops," but that if or when a referendum is held "more than 80 percent" of votes would be for secession from Ukraine. The way events are unfolding in Crimea "is not a good precedent for the other provinces."[213]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ It also noted that "certain politicians, local government officials, leaders of civil society organizations, and radically inclined individuals have attempted to create grounds for escalating the civil conflict, and have spread autonomous and separatist attitudes among the people, which could lead to the demise of our as a united nation and loss of its national sovereignty." In addition, the statement said that certain lawmakers of every level have begun separatist negotiations with representatives of foreign nations. "Open consultations are being held on the possible division of the country into separate parts in violation of the Ukrainian constitution," read the statement. "This could lead to an escalation of conflict between different sectors of society, inciting ethnic or religious hatred and military conflict."[58]
  2. ^ Sevastopol is the only city in Ukraine whose residents do not get to elect their mayor directly, due to the city's special status.[14]

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  134. ^ Rada urged Russia not to encroach on the territory of Ukraine. Ukrinform. 28 February 2014.
  135. ^ Ukraine's acting President dismisses Chief of General Staff. Pravda. 28 February 2014.
  136. ^ Due to events in Crimea Ukraine Foreign Ministry asked for consultations with Russia. UNIAN 28 February 2014.
  137. ^ GPU is preparing petition for extradition of Yanukovych. UNIAN 28 February 2014.
  138. ^ Yanukovych Extradition: Ukraine Officially Asks Russia To Extradite Ukrainian President. The Huffington Post 28 February 2014.
  139. ^ Leader of Ukrainian radical organization Right Sector denies plans to send armed units to Crimea, Interfax-Ukraine (28 February 2014).
  140. ^ "п⌡п╦п╢п╣я─ "п÷я─п╟п╡п╬пЁп╬ я│п╣п╨я┌п╬я─п╟" п╞я─п╬я┬ п╬п╠я─п╟я┌п╦п╩я│я▐ п╥п╟ п©п╬п╪п╬я┴я▄я▌ п╨ п■п╬п╨я┐ пёп╪п╟я─п╬п╡я┐ - п÷п╣я─п╡я▀п╧ п©п╬ я│я─п╬я┤п╫я▀п╪ п╫п╬п╡п╬я│я┌я▐п╪ Б─■ LIFE | NEWS". Lifenews.ru. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  141. ^ Пресс-секретарь "Правого сектора" заявил о взломе сообщества организации ВКонтакте
  142. ^ Turchynov signed a decree on illegal appointment of Aksenov. Ukrayinska Pravda. 1 March 2014.
  143. ^ Three presidents urged to discontinue the "Kharkiv Agreements". Ukrayinska Pravda. March 1, 2014
  144. ^ Leonid Kuchma's press-center refutes the statement. Interfax
  145. ^ Turchynov commanded to bring into full combat readiness the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrinform. March 1, 2014
  146. ^ Kerch ferry is not being serviced, special order. Ukrayinska Pravda. 27 February 2014.
  147. ^ Ukrainians of Crimea asked the Ukrainian authorities to prevent a war on the peninsula. Interfax. 27 February 2014.
  148. ^ Crimea used Yanukovych to ask for money in Russia. Ukrayinska Pravda. 28 February 2014.
  149. ^ Konstantinov explained to Shufrych what they want in Crimea. Ukrinform. 28 February 2014.
  150. ^ Former chief of general staff Illin got to the Sevastopol hospital. Ukrinform. 28 February 2014.
  151. ^ Yanukovych and Zakharchenko are on the international wanted list. Ukrayinska Pravda. 26 February 2014.
  152. ^ a b Did Yanukovych indeed arrived to Rostov-on-Don accompanied by fighters? Ukrayinska Pravda. 28 February 2014.
  153. ^ a b Crimea must remain part of Ukraine, enjoy broad autonomy rights – Yanukovych, Interfax-Ukraine (28 February 2014).
  154. ^ Ukrainian ex-leader Viktor Yanukovych vows fightback, BBC News (28 February 2014).
  155. ^ a b "Ukraine crisis live: Russia admits its troops are moving in Crimea". UK Telegraph. Retrieved 28 February 2014. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  156. ^ Rothkopf, David. "All (Not) Quiet on Ukraine's Eastern Front". Blog.foreignpolicy.com. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  157. ^ "» Russia May Be Preparing to Annex Crimea Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind!". Infowars.com. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  158. ^ "Российские паспорта и присоединение к РФ: Депутаты Госдумы прибыли в Крым". Gordonua (in Ukrainian). 25 February 2014.
  159. ^ "В Госдуме опровергли данные о выдаче паспортов РФ жителям Крыма". Argumenty i Fakty (in Ukrainian). 25 February 2014.
  160. ^ "Росія обіцяє втрутитися, якщо ''росіянам в Україні буде загроза'' | Українська правда". Pravda.com.ua. 25 February 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  161. ^ "У Росії Януковича все ще вважають президентом – Слуцький | Українська правда". Pravda.com.ua. 25 February 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  162. ^ "Госдума России обсуждает меры по защите крымчан - Интерфакс". Interfax.ru. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  163. ^ Alpert, Lukas I. "Russia Orders Military Exercises Amid Ukraine Tension - WSJ.com". Online.wsj.com. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  164. ^ Comment of the Press and Information Department of the Russian MFA in connection to the media question about the movements of the Black Sea Fleet armored vehicles. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. 27 February 2014.
  165. ^ Russian Foreign Ministry commented on the movement of armored vehicles in the Crimea. Ukrayinska Pravda. 27 February 2014.
  166. ^ Russian Defense Ministry: The Black Sea Fleet is not a threat to the situation in Ukraine. RIA News. 27 February 2014.
  167. ^ Draft law of FMS and the Ministry of Economy of granting citizenship. RIA News. 27 February 2014.
  168. ^ a b MID of Russia made another statement on Ukraine: militants, NATO, provocations. Ukrayinska Pravda. 27 February 2014.
  169. ^ "Tensions high at Kyiv protest camp despite ground-breaking deal". CTV News. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 1 December 2008 suggested (help)
  170. ^ Russian Black Sea Fleet claims it was not blocking the Ukrainian airport. Ukrayinska Pravda. 28 February 2014.
  171. ^ Does State Duma want to simplify annexation of Crimea?. Ukrayinska Pravda. 28 February 2014.
  172. ^ Russia has suspended negotiations with Ukraine on the project of Kerch bridge. Ukrinform. 28 February 2014.
  173. ^ In Russia are gathering "tourists" to Ukraine, who served in the military. Ukrayinska Pravda. 28 February 2014.
  174. ^ Council of the Federation: Russia may introduce troops into the Crimea. Ukrainska Pravda. 1 March 2014.
  175. ^ "Russian parliament asks Putin to stabilise Ukraine's Crimea Crisis". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  176. ^ Actions in support of Russian compatriots in Ukraine held in Moscow, Petersburg, Krasnodar
  177. ^ Channel One shows "Ukrainian refugees" with footages from the Polish border. Ukrayinska Pravda. March 2, 2014
  178. ^ In Russia were detained activists who protested against the war with Ukraine. UNIAN. March 1, 2014
  179. ^ "На антивоенных акциях в Москве задержаны 300 человек" (in Russian). Utro.ru. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  180. ^ "В Москве и Перебурге проходят митинги против российской оккупации Крыма. Уже есть задержанные" (in Russian). Центр журналистских расследований. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  181. ^ "Жители Екатеринбурга провели пикеты против ввода российских войск в Крым" (in Russian). Komsomolskaya Pravda. Retrieved 2 March 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  182. ^ "«Сколько детей ты готов похоронить, чтобы Крым стал частью России?» Первые антивоенные пикеты прошли на Урале" (in Russian). Ura.ru. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  183. ^ "Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the developments in Ukraine's Crimea" (PDF). Brussels. EU External Action. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  184. ^ In the Crimea will go OSCE envoys. Ukrayinska Pravda. 27 February 2014.
  185. ^ "UN chief Ban Ki-moon 'gravely concerned' over Ukraine events". Times Internet Limited. Associated Press. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  186. ^ "UN Security Council holds urgent meeting to review Situation in Crimea Ukraine". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  187. ^ Doorstep statement. NATO website. March 2, 2014
  188. ^ "Ukraine: Tony Abbott tells Russia to 'back off'". Sydney Morning Herald. 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  189. ^ Belarus Foreign Ministry: It is important to preserve the territorial integrity of Ukraine. UNIAN 28 February 2014.
  190. ^ "Announcement of the Press Secretariat". Administration of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  191. ^ "Announcement of the Press Secretariat of the Head of State". Administration of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  192. ^ Baird Promotes Territorial Integrity and National Unity in Ukraine
  193. ^ Readout of President Obama’s calls with President Hollande and Prime Minister Harper
  194. ^ "Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: everything must be done to achieve a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine | Välisministeerium". Vm.ee. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  195. ^ Tuomioja: Venäjä toteuttaa Krimin sotilaallista haltuunottoa, Suomenmaa.fi, 2 March 2014. Accessed on 2 March 2014.
  196. ^ France expressed its concern over the deteriorating situation in Crimea. Ukrinform. 28 February 2014.
  197. ^ "Georgia Condemns Russian Moves in Ukraine". CivlGeorgia. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  198. ^ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerned about Crimean situation". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  199. ^ |url=https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press-release-archive/2014/march/tanaiste-russian-federation-ukraine/%7Caccessdate=2 March 2014
  200. ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania called the Russia's ambassador to talk about Crimea. UNIAN. 28 February 2014.
  201. ^ Statement on the situation in Ukraine
  202. ^ "Romania sees no immediate risks to national security related to Crimea crisis". Hotnews (in Romanian). 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  203. ^ "COMUNICADO 061 Situación en Ucrania" (in Spanish). Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  204. ^ "Carl Bildt". Twitter. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  205. ^ "Turkey closely following developments in Crimea". Journal of Turkish Weekly. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  206. ^ "Russia Approves Military Action". Sky News. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  207. ^ "Remarks With German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier After Their Working Lunch". United States Department of State. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  208. ^ U.S. asks Russia for cooperation to resolve the situation in Ukraine. Ukrinform. 28 February 2014.
  209. ^ "Statement by the President on Ukraine". White House. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  210. ^ Babiak, Mat. "Is Russia Opening a 'Crimean Front'?". Ukrainian Policy. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2014. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 1 December 2008 suggested (help)
  211. ^ Rothkopf, David. "Dear Kremlin: Careful with Crimea". Foreignpolicy.com. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  212. ^ "Russia's Crimean Shore?". Project Syndicate. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  213. ^ "Historical tensions bubble up in Crimea". Deutsch Welle. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.

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