Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, a pivotal event in recent history, occurred when Moscow took control of the region from Ukraine on March 18, 2014. This move, while executed swiftly and without bloodshed, significantly strained Russia’s relations with Western nations, marking the most profound decline since the Cold War. The takeover laid the foundation for a broader Russian military incursion into Ukraine in 2022, during which Russia claimed more territories from the conflict-ridden nation.
Crimea holds strategic significance primarily because of its geographic location on the Black Sea, serving both Russia and Ukraine due to its advantageous naval bases and attractive coastal regions. Historically, Crimea was populated by Turkic-speaking Tatars before the Russian Empire annexed it in the 18th century. This autonomy was briefly reclaimed before the area became part of the Soviet Union. In 1944, Soviet leader Josef Stalin deported a substantial Tatar population, accusing them of Nazi collaboration, a charge historians widely refute. Many Tatars perished during their displacement.
In 1954, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred Crimea from the Russian Federation to Ukraine within the USSR framework, recognizing a historical bond between Moscow and Kyiv. When the Soviet Union fractured in 1991, Crimea transitioned into an integral part of independent Ukraine, though Russia maintained a presence with a naval base in Sevastopol. This city, steeped in history, hosted numerous important figures, including the last Russian czar, Nicholas II, and became renowned during the Soviet era for its resort appeal and significant historical events. The city of Yalta, for instance, is noted for hosting the 1945 summit between Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill.
For Ukraine, Crimea was more than just a region; it was an essential strategic and identity-defining asset. Since its separation from the Soviet Union, Ukraine invested approximately $100 billion into the peninsula. From a defense perspective, controlling Crimea ensures oversight of Black Sea activities, demonstrating its importance to Kyiv.
The year 2014 marked a turning point when a revolution in Ukraine led to the ousting of the pro-Moscow President Victor Yanukovich, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to deploy troops in Crimea. These forces operated without insignia, culminating in a contentious referendum on joining Russia, which many, including Ukraine and the West, rejected as illegitimate. Despite this, Russia’s annexation gained backing from a few nations like North Korea, creating a surge of national pride within Russia. By June 2014, Putin’s approval ratings reached an impressive 86%, having increased from 65% at the year’s start.
Following Crimea’s annexation, Putin declared the area a “sacred place” and stifled opposition to this designation. The Crimean Tatars, having opposed Russia’s control, faced continued repression, resulting in around 30,000 fleeing by 2021. The annexation further deteriorated Russia’s diplomatic standing, with countries including the U.S. and the EU imposing sanctions on Moscow. Simultaneously, conflict erupted in Eastern Ukraine, where pro-Kremlin factions clashed with Ukrainian forces. Russia’s involvement, despite denial, became evident through various sources, such as tangible evidence linking Russia to the downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight.
Within Russia, some criticized Putin for not attempting to capture Ukraine entirely in 2014, believing it was achievable given Ukraine’s volatile government and weakened military state. The Eastern Ukraine conflict persisted intermittently until early 2022. At that time, Putin intensified tensions by recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk as independent, preceding a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine.
Crimea’s role in the ensuing conflict proved pivotal, as Russia used it as a staging ground for troop deployment and weapon storage, aiding rapid territorial gains in Southern Ukraine. Officials later articulated that solidifying a land corridor to Crimea via captured regions was a principal aim of Russia’s declared “special military operation.” Initially, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pursued diplomatic means to regain Crimea, but the full-blown military incursion prompted considerations of forceful reclamation. As hostilities advanced, Crimea turned into a hotbed of military action, with Ukraine executing drone strikes and bombings to disrupt Russia’s grip.
These Ukrainian offensives targeted strategic points, including the Russian Black Sea Fleet, ammunition stockpiles, airfields, and the notable Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to Russia, which suffered strikes in both October 2022 and July 2023. As the struggle continues, Crimea remains at the heart of Russia-Ukraine tensions, showcasing its enduring importance on the geopolitical chessboard.