Today marks the 12th anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea
In February 2014, Russian troops without insignia, the so-called “little green men”, seized airports, government buildings, and Ukrainian military bases across the peninsula.
Under the barrels of Russian assault rifles, Moscow staged a so-called “referendum” on March 16, 2014.
The vote was held without international observers, in violation of Ukrainian law and the Ukrainian constitution. Residents were forced to vote while the peninsula was effectively under military occupation.
Two days later, the Kremlin formally declared Crimea part of the Russian Federation.
Since then, Crimea has been turned into a heavily militarized Russian fortress in the Black Sea. It became a key staging ground for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
From Crimea, Russian forces launched troops, aircraft, missiles, and naval operations against Ukrainian cities.
For years after the occupation began, Ukraine continued supplying the peninsula with electricity, water, and goods, while supporting political prisoners and activists persecuted by the Russian authorities.
Under Russian rule, Crimean Tatars, journalists, and pro-Ukrainian residents have faced arrests, intimidation, forced disappearances, and political trials.
Twelve years later, Crimea remains occupied.
Crimea is Ukraine 🇺🇦
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) Mar 16, 2026
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