Timeline of the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation

The annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation took place in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. On 22–23 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin convened an all-night meeting with security services chiefs to discuss extrication of deposed President, Viktor Yanukovych, and at the end of that meeting Putin had remarked that "we must start working on returning Crimea to Russia.".[1] Russia sent in soldiers on February 27, 2014. Crimea held a referendum. According to some Russian and Crimean sources 95% voted to reunite with Russia, but others indicated only some 30% voting in favour of unification. The legitimacy of the referendum has been questioned by the international community on both legal and procedural grounds.

February

February 19

Members of the Sevastopol City Council petitioned to the President Viktor Yanukovych to take stringent measures and bring to justice leaders of opposition.[2] "Leaders of opposition should be held criminally liable for inciting armed confrontation", – stated in the declaration.[2] In Simferopol, activists of "Stop Maidan" were commemorating Crimean law enforcement agents who perished in conflict in Kiev.[2] In Yalta, over 50 activists came out on anti-government protest and support for Euromaidan.[2]

February 20

Speaker of the Supreme Council of Crimea, Vladimir Konstantinov announced that he does not exclude possibility of secession of Crimea from Ukraine if the situation in the country will worsen.[3] The head of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov was resentful to the announcement and said that Konstantinov who is currently in Moscow openly invited Russian security forces to intervene in Crimean situation.[4]

February 23

In Simferopol, on February 23, 2014 a pro-Euromaidan rally was held in support of the new Ukrainian authorities.[5] The protesters also demanded the resignation of the Crimean parliament; attendees waved Ukrainian, Tatar and European Union flags.[6] The Prime Minister of Crimea Anatolii Mohyliov declared that the region would carry out all laws passed by the Ukrainian parliament.[7]

Meanwhile in Sevastopol, tens of 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. Same were created on 22 February in Simferopol, where about 5,000 had joined such squads. Protesters waved Russian flags and chanted "Putin is our president" and claimed they would refuse to pay further taxes to the state.[8][9] Russian military convoys were also alleged to be seen in the area.[9] 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.[10]

February 24

On February 24, 2014, more protesters rallied outside the Sevastopol administration offices.[11] Pro-Russian demonstrators accompanied by neo-Cossacks[12] 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."

On February 24, a pro-Russian rally in Sevastopol chose Aleksei Chalyi, a Russian citizen, as mayor.[13] This was controversial because Sevastopol has no mayor[nb 1] as the Chairman of the Sevastopol City State Administration (Governor of Sevastopol) who is appointed by the President of Ukraine by statute fulfils this role.[16] 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 February 23, when he told a pro-Russian rally that Crimea was a part of Ukraine. He resigned the next day.[17]

February 25

On February 25, 2014 several hundred pro-Russian protesters blocked the Crimean parliament demanding a referendum on Crimea's independence.[18] The rally was organized by the Crimean Front.[19] Another big property of fugitive president Yanukovych was discovered close to Sevastopol four times the size of that in the capital Kyiv.[20]

February 26

On February 26, thousands of protesters clashed in Simferopol.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23] During the clashes, one man died of a heart attack and a woman died from being trampled.[24] 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.[25] By nightfall, the Crimean Tatars had left,[26] while the pro-Russian rally had grown to 5,000 as protesters arrived from Sevastopol later in the day.[27] The new Ukrainian establishment'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 "[28] 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.[29]

Also on February 26, media claimed that Russian troops or (as they themselves claimed) local volunteers took control of the main route of access to Sevastopol.[30] A military checkpoint, with military vehicles under a Russian flag, was set up on the main highway between the city and Simferopol.[30] CNN described them as a "pro-Russian militia checkpoint".[31]

February 27

On February 27, at 4:20 local time, sixty pro-Russian gunmen seized Crimea's parliament building and Council of Ministers building. They were said to be professionals and heavily armed.[32] Thirty broke into the building initially, with a bus carrying another thirty and additional weapons arriving later.[33] The gunmen were unmarked but raised Russian flags.[34]

While the gunmen occupied Crimea's parliament building, the parliament held an emergency session.[35][36] It voted to terminate the Crimean government, and replace Prime Minister Anatolii Mohyliov with Sergey Aksyonov.[37] Aksyonov belonged to the Russian Unity party, which received 4% of the vote in the last election.[36] It also voted to hold a referendum on greater autonomy on 25 May. The gunmen had cut all of the building's communications and took MPs' phones as they entered.[35][36] No independent journalists were allowed inside the building while the votes were taking place.[36] Some MPs claimed they were being threatened and that votes were cast for them and other MPs, even though they were not in the chamber.[36]

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.[38] 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.[38] 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.[39][40]

The chairman of the Supreme Council of Crimea, Volodymyr Konstantinov, as well as de facto prime minister Aksyonov, refused to recognize the dismissal of Viktor Yanukovych from presidential office, and view him as legitimate.[41][42] Aksyonov added "we will follow his directions".[43]

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".[44]

On the morning of February 27, Berkut units from Crimea and other regions of Ukraine (dissolved by the decree of 25 February) seized checkpoints on the Isthmus of Perekop and Chonhar peninsula.[45][46][47] According to MP Hennadiy Moskal, former Chief of Crimean police, they had armoured personnel carriers, grenade launchers, assault rifles, machine guns and other weapons.[45] Since then they control all traffic by land between Crimea and continental Ukraine.[45]

On February 27, 2014 the Ukrainian organization Right Sector officially announced that it does not intend to participate in any conflict on the territory of Crimea.[48]

February 28

In the early hours of February 28, a group of 50–119[49] armed men in military uniform without signs of identification seized Simferopol International Airport.[50] Airport authorities later denied that it had been "captured" and said that it was still operating normally despite the continuing armed presence.[51][52] Later in the day, Sevastopol International Airport was occupied in a similar manner as Simferopol's airport.[53] According to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Arsen Avakov, soldiers without identification are Russian Black Sea Fleet troops.[49] Later some television channels reported that airports are guarded by Russian forces.[54] It was then claimed that militants in Simferopol airport are soldiers of the Russian MI whose plane was noticed at the Hvardiyske Airport at Hvardiiske near Simferopol.[55]

According to the official website of the Night Wolves bikers club, they are guarding the state administration in Sevastopol.[56]

On February 28, 2014, a missile boat of the Russian Federation blocked the Balaklava Harbor, where ships of the Ukrainian Sea Guard are stationed.[57] Eight Russian military helicopters were moved to Sevastopol from Anapa.[58] 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.[59]

Serhiy Kunitsyn informed journalists that 13 Russian planes IL-76 with Russian Airborne Troops landed in the Hvardiyske military airport (Hvardiiske).[60] Kunitsyn stated that each plane may hold about 150 people.[60]

The Ukrainian parliamentarian, Petro Poroshenko, who arrived in Simferopol, was attacked by an angry mob, but managed to get away unharmed.[61] Chairman of the Supreme Council of Crimea Volodymyr Konstantinov was booed by a gathered crowd of protesters who were yelling "Crimea – Russia".[62]

On February 28, 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.[63] 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. On February 28 the leaders of Ukraine received a message from Russia. According to the notification to defense minister Ihor Tenyukh Ukraine must give the Crimea peninsula to Russia without any military defense or Russia will occupy the whole country.[64] Ousted President Yanukovych insisted that military action was "unacceptable" and that he would not request Russian military intervention at a press conference.[65] According to Yanukovych Crimea must remain part of Ukraine.[66][67]

March

March 1

On March 1, 2014 the de facto Crimean Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov appealed directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a signed statement calling for Russia to "provide assistance in ensuring peace and tranquility on the territory" of Crimea.[68] Meanwhile, Aksyonov took control of "security [in Crimea] on a temporary basis", he said. All commanders are to obey his orders or "resign".[68] Akysonov also announced that the date of the self-sovereignty referendum was moved up to 30 March.[68]

Protests against the new authorities in Kiev and in support of Russians in Crimea occurred throughout Eastern and Southern Ukraine on March 1.[69]

On March 1, 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.[70]

Russian President Vladimir Putin formally asked the Federation Council 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 that country."[71] Hours later, the Federation Council voted unanimously to grant permission.[72][73]

The Consulate of the Russian Federation in Simferopol started to issue Russian passports to residents of Ukraine.[74] Members of the former Ukrainian riot police, Berkut, were among the first in Crimea to be granted Russian citizenship.[74]

The Ukrainian Navy was forced to leave its base in Sevastopol,[75][76] as was the Ukrainian Sea Guard.[75][76] Some journalists later claimed that this was disinformation posted by RIA News.[75]

Beginning March 1, Ukrainian journalists were prohibited from entering the Crimean region,[77] reportedly on the orders of members of the Supreme Council.

Ukrainian media reported that decisions to replace the government and hold a referendum in Crimea were falsified.[78][79][80]

According to Damon Wilson, vice president of the Atlantic Council, the United States Congress was "considering authorizing [a] defense arms package to Ukraine".[81][82]

March 2

A Crimean self-defense militia stands guard with riot shields painted in the Crimean tricolor flag in Simferopol, 2 March
Unmarked soldiers in Simferopol, 2 March

On March 2, 2014 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.[83] The Ukrainian Navy building in Sevastopol was under siege and land-based assault by the Russian Army according to Ukrainska Pravda.[84]

On March 2, acting President Olexander Turchynov ordered all Ukrainian military reservists to be called up.[85]

At a Ukrainian military base near the village of Perevalne, there is an ongoing standoff between a handful of Ukrainian marines loyal to Kiev and the surrounding Russian/Crimean forces.[86][87]

The newly appointed chief of the Ukrainian Navy, Denis Berezovsky, in televised statement announced that he refuses to follow orders from the self-declared government in Kiev and declared loyalty to Crimean authorities and people.[88] He was replaced by Serhiy Hayduk.

The same day in Sevastopol, the crew of the command ship Slavutych thwarted an attempt to hijack the vessel by a boat manned by unidentified armed personnel.[89]

The government of Crimea announced the formation of its own Defence Ministry.[90]

Ukrainian oligarchs, including Igor Kolomoisky and Serhiy Taruta (partner of Rinat Akhmetov), throw weight behind revolutionary government in Kiev; get appointments as governors of eastern provinces.[91]

The head of the Security Service of Crimea Petyor Zima, Chief of Department of Internal Affairs in the Crimea Sergey Abisov, the head of Service for Emergency Situations Sergei Shakhov and acting Chief of the Border Guards of Crimea Victor Melnichenko each took an oath of allegiance to the people of the so-called "Putin-backed" Crimea. The ceremony took place in the Council of Ministers chamber in the presence of regional government officials, mayors of different cities and regions.[92]

March 3

According to Ukrainian officials, Ukrainian troops stationed in Crimea were urged to surrender by March 3 at 5 a.m. (0300 GMT) or face an armed confrontation via an ultimatum issued by Alexander Vitko, the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.[93] This ultimatum was however denied by Russian officials.[94]

On the same day, Russian soldiers seized a Kerch Strait ferry terminal in the city of Kerch, the easternmost point of Crimea.[95]

Crimea's State Television and Radio Transmitting Center forced the independent broadcaster Chernomorskaya Teleradiokompaniya (Black Sea TV) off the air. Chernomorskaya Teleradiokompaniya, which has covered the political tension in the region, was one of two local broadcasters available to Crimean residents.[96]

March 4

On March 4, Putin ended the military exercises and pulled troops back from Ukrainian borders.[97] Putin stated in a press conference that the soldiers occupying military bases were not Russian soldiers, but local forces of self-defence. He said that there was no need to send forces into Ukraine at the time being, but that Russia reserved the right to use "all means" as a last resort to threats of anarchy.[98]

There was a confrontation at the Belbek Airbase (at the Belbek Airport) between the guarding Russian/Crimean forces—and unarmed Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered the base the previous day.[99]—lasting some hours.[100] Around 200 unarmed Ukrainian soldiers of the 240th Tactical Air Brigade[100] marched towards the base, demanding their jobs back, when the pro-Russian forces fired warning shots in the air.[99] After hours of negotiations, the pro-Russian forces agreed to allow joint patrols of the base—with the Ukrainians remaining unarmed,[99] followed by the Ukrainian detachment marching away.[100]

March 5

On March 5, the Crimean government (ARC) announced that "more than 700 soldiers and officers" from the 50th, 55th and 147th antiaircraft missile regiments, stationed in Yalta, Feodosia and Fiolente respectively, defected to the ARC side by "declaring their readiness to defend the population of Crimea".[101] This is in addition to the 204th Fighter Unit of the Ukrainian Air Force, which defected on March 3.[101] Altogether, as of March 5, the Crimeans claim to have 6000 defectors from the Ukrainian Armed Forces on their side.[101]

Thirty-five Russian soldiers were said to have attacked the border checkpoint in Kerch and threatening an armed assault on Ukrainian service personnel.[102] The same day, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine informed that unknown persons took hostage Ukrainian Colonel General Mykhailo Koval.[103] One witness claims that he was taken by Russian bikers who attacked the personal car of Koval in Yalta.[103] The Ukrainian soldiers detained one of the "Green Men" Aleksei Sergeievich Medvedev from Yoshkar Ola according to his military ticket (military identification document).[104]

Unknown gunmen took hostage the UN special envoy to Ukraine Robert Serry in Simferopol.[105][106][107][108] U.N. Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson said Robert Serry had been threatened but had not been kidnapped.[109][110] Serry is expected to continue his work in Kiev due to situation in Crimea.[111]

The Shevchenko district court of Kiev, meanwhile, ruled on the detention of the self-proclaimed leaders Sergei Aksyonov and Volodymyr Konstantinov.[112] The Security Service of Ukraine was charged to bring them to court.[112] The General Prosecutor of Ukraine opened criminal proceedings against the commander of Black Sea Fleet Aleksandr Vitko on the facts of incitement to treason and sabotage organization.[113]

Three deputies of the Batkivshchyna party submitted a bill in the Verkhovna Rada on March 5 that would abolish the country's official neutrality, and make "Euro-Atlantic integration and NATO membership" a foreign policy priority for Ukraine.[114][115]

On March 5, a wiretapped telephone conversation was leaked on YouTube of Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton discussing the issue of sniper-rifle fire during the 2014 Ukrainian revolution.[116] Speaking about a doctor named Olga who was on the scene, Paet told Ashton, "The same Olga told that, well, all the evidence shows that people who were killed by snipers from both sides among policemen and then people from the street [sic]. So that there is now stronger and stronger understanding that behind the snipers it was not Yanukovich, but it was somebody from the new coalition."[116] The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs later issued a statement confirming the tape's authenticity, but denied that "the new coalition" refers to the protesters who later overthrew Yanukovich and installed a new government in Kiev.[116] Olga Bogomolets, the doctor who allegedly told Paet about the snipers, denied claiming that protesters and Berkut troops came under fire from one single source and stated that she only saw the protesters' wounds, and that the government assured her that an investigation would be opened.[117]

March 6

The Supreme Council of Crimea voted on 6 March to formally accede as part of the Russian Federation after 6 decades as part of the Ukrainian state.[118] The Supreme Council's decision will be put to the Crimean people via referendum if the request is granted by Russia. The previously announced referendum scheduled for 30 March, will be moved up to 16 March 2014, and its question will be altered to reflect the Supreme Council's 6 March vote of accepting full accession.[118] The Ukrainian government immediately condemned the measure and argued that any unilateral referendum initiated by the current Crimean authorities would be unconstitutional.[118] They were joined in their condemnation of the referendum by the United States and European Union.[118] Refat Chubarov, leader of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, announced that his organization will not take part in the referendum, and that they deem it illegitimate.[119] According to Council member Pilunsky the decision was taken without meeting the quorum.[120]

Armed men seized the Simferopol Radio and Television Transmitting Station, and discontinued the broadcast of Kiev-based Channel 5 and 1+1 television channels, replacing their frequencies with the Moscow-based Rossiya 24 news channel.[121][122]

On March 6 Russian sailors scuttled the decommissioned cruiser Ochakov at the entrance to Donuzlav Bay in western Crimea as a blockship, in an attempt to prevent Ukrainian navy ships from gaining access to the Black Sea.[123]

Crimean Tatars report that their homes are marked with X by unidentified gangs.[124]

A mission of observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe has been stopped from entering Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula by unidentified men in military fatigues for the third time.[125]

March 7

According to the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service Russia raised the number of their soldiers in Crimea to 30,000.[126]

Two journalists were beaten while taking photos outside the missile defence base A2355 outside the Crimean city of Sevastopol.[127] A Bulgarian media team of two were beaten in Simferopol.[128] Armed men confiscated the equipment of the Associated Press team in Simferopol.[129]

Another blockship, the former Black Sea Fleet rescue/diving support vessel BM-416 (VM-416) was scuttled near the Ochakov.[130]

PACE's Standing Committee expressed its full support for the territorial integrity and national unity of Ukraine.[131]

Ukraine decided not to boycott the Paralympic games as long as Russia did not start a war. During the opening only Ukrainian athlete Mykailo Tkachenko of 31 Ukrainian Paralympians attended the ceremony parade in protest at Russia's incursion into Crimea.[132]

March 8

The Russian military entered the territory of Chonhar village in Henichesk Raion of Kherson Oblast and blocked the second entrance to Crimea.[133]

The Border Guard Service Department Sholkino was taken over by Russian forces. The personnel and their families had to leave the post and the apartments.[134]

A border guard plane flying over Crimea was attacked with firearms.[135]

March 9

At Massandra a mobile, rapid reaction border guard post has been unblocked after several days of occupation.[136] Head of Euromaidan — Krym Andriy Shchekun has been kidnapped in Simferopol.[137]

More than 200 scholars of Ukrainian and Russian affairs have undersigned an appeal for a peaceful, sustainable, and fair resolution to the current conflict.[138]

March 10

Two Ukrainian journalists (Olena Maksymenko and Oles Kromplyas) disappeared and are feared kidnapped at the border to Crimea.[139]

Several hundred residents of Crimea, mainly Crimean Tatars, have left Crimea for security reasons according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.[140][141]

Russian forces have seized the main military hospital in Simferopol.[142]

Prominent Russian dissident Mikhail Khodorkovsky said that Crimea should stay within Ukraine with broader autonomy.[143]

Posters and leaflets campaigning for the referendum do not show who is behind.[144][145][146]

March 11

A joint resolution is adopted by the Supreme Council of Crimea and the Sevastopol City Council where they express their intention to self-declare themselves independent in the event of a Yes vote in a referendum to join the region to Russia, that was to be held on March 16.[147]

The Crimean Government made clear that they did not officially invite the OSCE to observe the referendum.[148] The OSCE chair, Switzerland's Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, declared the referendum as illegal and because of that the OSCE will not send observers.[149]

Unidentified forces started controlling passport and luggages of domestic travellers at the Simferopol railway station.[150]

Russian forces took over the control tower at Simferopol International Airport and closed Crimean airspace until the end of week. Ukraine International Airlines flight PS 65 had to return to Kyiv shortly before landing.[151][152]

Party of Regions MP Yuriy Miroshnychenko urged the Crimean government to stop the referendum.[153] Another Party of Regions MP, Hanna Herman, commented the same day about Yanukovych's press conference, "He needs to ... prevent the illegal referendum".[154]

March 12

A set of press regulations was issued by the Crimean parliament concerning the referendum on March 16, stating, among other things, that authorized journalists covering the elections are obliged "not to spread material with negative content"[155]

The multinational OSCE observation mission published a report about their observations while trying to enter Crimea. Their entrance was refused at gunpoint. Their observation "produced significant evidence of equipment consistent with the presence of Russian Federation military personnel in the vicinity of the various roadblocks encountered".[156]

The UN Human Rights Envoy Ivan Simonovic had to cancel his trip to Crimea as the current situation does not permit his travel. He intended to observe the human rights situation which was Russia's explanation for its engagement in Crimea.[157]

The European Parliament rejected the upcoming referendum on independence in Crimea, which they saw as manipulated and contrary to international and Ukrainian law.[158]

Group of 7 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.[159]

March 13

Russia has voiced support for the deployment of an OSCE monitoring mission in Ukraine, including Crimea, the chairman of the European security group said on Thursday, calling this a possible "big step forward."[160]

The National Guard of Ukraine is reconstituted, on the basis of a law passed the previous day (Law of Ukraine "On the National Guard of Ukraine" dated March 12, 2014[161]). Note: The legislation reforming the National Guard was signed into law on this date by the acting president, but not returned to the parliament until the next day (14 March).

The Russian Armed Forces announced a new set of sudden military exercises in the border regions of Rostov, Belgorod, and Kursk on 13 March, involving "artillery batteries, assault helicopters, and at least 10,000 soldiers".[162] Amateur footage has shown columns of trucks and armored vehicles amassing at the border town of Lopan, just 30 miles outside of Kharkiv.[162] The United States Department of State has said that the Russian military exercises have "certainly created an environment of intimidation [in Ukraine]".[162]

March 14

The United States and Russia found no middle ground on the Ukrainian crisis, after six hours of talks in London.[163]

Rostec, a Russian-state arms agency, announced that it had intercepted a surveillance drone flying over the skies of Crimea on 14 March, which belonged to the Bavaria-based 66th Military Intelligence Brigade of the United States Army.[164] It disabled the drone "with the help of the EW (electronic warfare) complex Avtobaza," and as a result, "the device made an emergency landing and passed into the possession of the [Crimean] self-defense forces almost unbroken."[164] The company further claimed that this is the second U.S. drone to be intercepted over Crimea since the crisis began.[164] The Pentagon subsequently denied Rostec's claims, saying that "there is zero truth" to the reports.[165]

March 15

Around 50,000 people rallied in Moscow protesting Russia's annexation of Crimea.

A day before the Crimean referendum, tens of thousands of Russian demonstrators held anti-war protests in Moscow opposing Russian military intervention in Ukraine. It was the largest protest in Russia since the 2011–13 Russian protests.[166]

March 16

Further information: Crimean referendum, 2014

Crimeans vote in a referendum to rejoin Russia or return to its status under the 1992 constitution.[167]

On March 16, 2014, Crimean news agencies are now reporting that the official results of the referendum are in, and the region overwhelmingly voted to re-join Russia.[168] Some 95.5% of voters in Crimea have supported joining Russia, officials say.[169] Election officials said the turnout was a record high, beating the numbers who vote in local elections.[169]

The defence ministries of Ukraine and Russia agree on a truce in Crimea until March 21, according to the acting Ukrainian defence minister.[170]

March 17

On March 17, the Crimean parliament officially declared its independence from Ukraine and requested full accession to the Russian Federation, thus ending Crimea's 60 years as a Ukrainian territory.[171]

Obama declared sanctions on 11 Ukrainian and Russian official considered responsible for the crisis.[172]

Markets surged as investor worries faded after the referendum passed without violence. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by nearly 1%.[173][174][175][176]

Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia, and South Ossetia officially recognize the independence of Crimea.[177][178]

The dead body of Reşat Ametovyaky, an ethnic Crimean Tartar, was found in the Belogorskiy Region of Crimea. He disappeared on his way to the recruitment office on March 3 after the announcement of partial military mobilization in Ukraine and is believed to have been abducted. He was found dead with signs of torture; his hands were handcuffed and his head was covered in duct tape.[179]

March 18

The Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia is signed, formally joining the self-declared independent Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation as two federal subjects - the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol.[180]

One Ukrainian soldier and one pro-Russian soldier were killed in the Simferopol Incident.

Crimean Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Temirgaliyev said in an interview with RIA Novosti the new government in Crimea wants to regularize the land unofficially taken over by Crimean Tatar squatters following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He said part of the land was required for social needs but the Government of Crimea was ready to allocate and legalize many other plots of land to ensure a normal life for the Crimean Tatars. He also emphasized that members of the Tatar community could receive senior political positions in the new government, in a move to ease ethnic tensions in the region.[181]

President of Russia Vladimir Putin addressed State Duma deputies, Federation Council members, heads of Russian regions and civil society representatives in the Kremlin, calling for the creation of "two new constituent entities within the Russian Federation: the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol".[182]

March 19

Russian soldiers storm Ukrainian military bases in Crimea.

March 20

Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passes a resolution to adopt a bill on "territorial integrity of the Ukrainian people", which overlooks the status of granting Ukrainian visas to certain Russian citizens, notably those living in Eastern Ukraine and having strong ties with Russia. Many Russian politicians respond to the resolution as "Yatseniyk and Turchynov trying to prevent the breakaway of more Ukrainian regions into Russia, such as Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya". Another statement is made by Turchynov regarding Crimean tatars, in which the incumbent President says that Ukraine will try to reinforce the rights of Tatars living in Crimea, which so far have been long neglected.

March 21

After the Federation Council approved on final reading the treaty of accession of the Crimea to the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin ratifies the inclusion of two new areas into the Russian Federation: the Republic of Crimea and the City of Federal Importance of Sevastopol. The Crimean Federal District is created with Oleg Belaventsev being appointed as its Presidential Envoy.

At the same time Ukraine withdraws military troops from certain previously guarded areas in the Crimea and boycotts the right to travel to Simferopol for some of its airlines.

March 22

Russian forces storm two Ukrainian air bases in Crimea.[183] At 4:00 PM local time, Ukrainian border patrol guards seal off the northern entrance from Crimea. The same evening, Sergey Aksyonov addressed the citizens of Southern and Eastern Ukraine via a YouTube video, in which he urged the population of fend off "the banderians" (referring to the Right Sector Party, which has the teachings and works of Stepan Bandera as part of its ideology and traditions) and to protect their lands from attacks from them that may arise. Outside these parts, the video was seen as an attempt by Crimea to trigger further revolts in these regions against the Kiev government, so that further separation may ensue.

Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev spoke on Russia Today about the nullification of the documents signed in 2010 concerning Russian gas supply through Crimea, basing his country's decision on the fact that Crimea is now a part of Russia. Medvedev then denied the change of Russian stance towards its pacts with Ukraine, only speculating that Russia has 'amended' some of the signed documents in order to remove "Crimea" from the lists.

March 23

About 30% of Crimea and almost half of Simferopol dwellings and buildings met a power outage as Ukrainian electric company UkrEnergo shut off its supply of electricity to those regions. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko described the blackout as "ridiculous" and urged for both nations to remember their Slavic roots, as does Belarus.

So far 189 out of roughly 4000 Ukrainian military outposts personnel located in Crimea joined the Russian forces in the area post-accession. The 13th Outpost, located in Feodosiya, became famous for its marginal resistance to the Russian forces and repetitive denial to give up. The speaker of Crimean Tatar people warned the Russian government that should their national integrity be compromised (as is the case with Ukraine), they will form an insurgency movement and will "defend" the lands they live on. Russia did not respond to the warning in any way.

March 24

Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States voted to suspend Russia from the Group of 8.[184][185] Gregor Gysi, chairman of the German "Left" Party, has expressed his discontent with this decision (which was primarily brought by Angela Merkel) and responded by giving the February coup in Ukraine as example of what would be "not less unconstitutional" than the Crimean referendum. "The fascists who came to power in Ukraine, have their own understanding of what is constitutional, and the small percent of democrats sitting in the Rada cannot seem to influence it", he said.

March 25

Russia awards a medal to former Ukrainians who assisted in the annexation of Crimea. Controversy erupts over the reverse of the medallion, which dates "the return of Crimea" as February 20 — March 18. This implies that Russia was awarding those involved with the February 20 killing of Maidan protesters.[186]

March 27

The UN General Assembly approved a resolution describing the Crimean referendum on 16 March 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 58 abstentions.[187]

March 28

Russian state media agency ITAR-TASS reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted the Ukrainian Embassy in Moscow to inform it of Russia's unilateral termination of a number of Black Sea Fleet agreements, as well as Russia's willingness to repatriate Ukrainian military equipment left in Crimea.[188]

March 29

Crimea and Sevastopol switched to Moscow Time at 22:00 (10:00 PM) Eastern European Time.[189][190]

Aftermath

April

In Novofedorivka Junior Sergeant of the Russian Naval Infantry E.Zaitsev fired two shots at close distance from an AK-74, killing Ukrainian officer Major Stanislav Karachevsky who was getting ready to be relocated.[191]

During the 12th 'Direct Line with Vladimir Putin' the use of Russian armed forces along with Crimean self-defence troops was avowed by the Russian president,[192][193] but Vladimir Putin denied the claims by Ukraine and the West that Russian special forces were fomenting ongoing unrest in eastern Ukraine.[194]

Ukraine erupts into new violence as Ukrainian troops kill as many as five Pro-Russian fighters. Russian president Vladimir Putin says that Ukraine's actions will have consequences.

May

The Russian President's Human Rights Council "posted a blog that was quickly taken down as if it were toxic radioactive waste" estimating that a "vast majority of the citizens of Sevastopol voted in favor of unification with Russia in the referendum (50-80%); in Crimea, various data show that 50-60% voted for unification with Russia, with a turnout of 30-50%," suggesting that the official results are false.[195][196] The document is still on the Russian website.[197]

President Vladimir Putin in Crimean Sevastopol to watch Victory Day parade on 9 May 2014

August

Ukrainian border guards fend off a hostile incursion on Kherson Oblast from Crimea.[198]

September

Russian authorities raided Crimean Tatars national assembly building, removing all staff by force. This was preceded by a court ruling that ordered blocking of the assembly bank accounts and repressions against its members and political activists.[199]

Mustafa Djemilev announced that since March over 18 Tatar activists were missing, some of them abducted by government forces, some lost without trace. Most recent such case was Edem Asanov who disappeared on 29 September while travelling to work.[200]

November

Human Rights Watch issued a report "Rights in Retreat" on humanitarian situation in Crimea under Russian administration, documenting "persecution of Crimean Tatars and pro-Ukrainian activists, harassment of pro-Ukraine and Crimean Tatar media and imposition of Russian citizenship in Crimea".[201] Sergey Aksyonov rejected the report as "propaganda".[202]

Notes

  1. ↑ 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][15]

References

  1. ↑ Yahoo News, retrieved 8 March 2015, article entitled: Putin Describes Secret Operation to Seize Crimea.
  2. 1 2 3 4 In Yalta was organized Euromaidan, in Sevastopol were demanding to imprison the opposition. Ukrayinska Pravda. 19 February 2014
  3. ↑ The speaker of Supreme Council of Crimea thinks that Crimea could succeed from Ukraine. Ukrayinska Pravda. 20 February 2014
  4. ↑ Crimean Tatars promise to keep Crimea within Ukraine. Ukrayinska Pravda. 20 February 2014
  5. ↑ Crimean Tatars, pro-Russia supporters approach Crimean parliament building, Interfax-Ukraine (in English), Kyiv, 20 February 2014. Retrieved: 24 February 2014
  6. ↑ У Криму вимагають розпуску парламенту автономії і знесення пам'ятника Леніну (in Ukrainian). Radio Svoboda. 23 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014.
  7. ↑ Прем'єр Криму Могильов заявляє, що виконуватиме нові закони (in Ukrainian). Radio Svoboda. 23 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014.
  8. ↑ "Ukraine crisis fuels secession calls in pro-Russian south". The Guardian. 24 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014.
  9. 1 2 "Rosja przygotowuje się do zbrojnej interwencji na Ukrainie?" [Russia is preparing for military intervention in Ukraine?]. Newsweek Polska (in Polish). 23 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014.
  10. ↑ В Керчи митингующие сорвали украинский флаг и мэрии и повесили российский : Новости УНИАН (in Ukrainian). Unian.net. 23 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-02-24.
  11. ↑ У Севастополі вимагають віддати владу "вибраному" на мітингу "меру ". Ukrayinska Pravda (in Ukrainian). 24 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-02-24.
  12. ↑ 'neo-Cossacks' needs definition
  13. ↑ Pro-Russian rally in Crimea decries Kiev 'bandits', The Washington Post (25 February 2014).
  14. ↑ "Russian Citizen Elected Sevastopol Mayor Amid Pro-Moscow Protests in Crimea". The Moscow Times. 2014-02-25. Retrieved 2014-02-27.
  15. ↑ "Ukraine leader Turchynov warns of ‘danger of separatism’", Euronews, 25 February 2014
  16. ↑ Kuzio, Taras (1998-01-01). Contemporary Ukraine: Dynamics of Post-Soviet Transformation. M.E. Sharpe. p. 44. ISBN 9780765631503. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  17. ↑ Howard Amos (2014-02-25). "Ukraine: Sevastopol installs pro-Russian mayor as separatism fears grow". The Guardian. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  18. ↑ "Крым сепаратизм: Пророссийские силы заблокировали ВР Крыма, требуют референдума о независимости: парламент собирается на внеочередное заседание. ФОТОрепортаж – Беркут, ВР Крыма, избиение, Константинов, Крым, сепаратизм, евромайдан, Революция в Украине, Крым сепаратизм (25.02.14 17:32) « Политика Украины « Фоторепортажи | Цензор.НЕТ". Censor.net.ua. 25 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  19. ↑ "Активисты Крыма требуют отделения полуострова от Украины :: Политика". Top.rbc.ru. 25 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  20. ↑ "Yanukovych’s colossal ‘cottage’ by the sea dwarfs presidential palace | canada.com". O.canada.com. 2014-02-25. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  21. ↑ "Stones, bottles thrown as pro-, anti-Russian protesters clash in Crimea". Rt.com. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  22. ↑ "Crimean Tatars, pro-Russia supporters approach Crimean parliament building". En.interfax.com.ua. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  23. ↑ "У парламенті Криму заявили, що не планують відділятись від України". Ukrayinska Pravda. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  24. ↑ "Two die in rallies outside Crimean parliament, says ex-head of Mejlis". Kyiv Post. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
  25. ↑ "Татари розійшлися створювати самооборону, щоб захищати Крим". Ukrayinska Pravda. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  26. ↑ "Crimean Tatars leave parliament square; Russian Unity supporters continue rally". En.interfax.com.ua. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  27. ↑ "Russia puts military on high alert as Crimea protests leave one man dead". The Guardian. 2014-02-26. Retrieved 2014-02-27.
  28. ↑ "Crimean police ordered to prevent clashes at any cost". En.interfax.com.ua. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  29. ↑ "Ukraine asking UN to monitor security situation in Crimea round the clock, says security service chief". En.interfax.com.ua. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  30. 1 2 Mark Mackinnon (27 February 2014). "Globe in Ukraine: Russian-backed fighters restrict access to Crimean city". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  31. ↑ "Russia flexes military muscle as tensions rise in Ukraine's Crimea". CNN.com. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  32. ↑ Prentice, Alessandra (1999-12-31). "Ukraine leader warns Russia after armed men seize government HQ in Crimea: Thomson Reuters Business News". Money. MSN. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  33. ↑ В здании крымского Парламента на данный момент находится около 60 человек [The building of the Crimean Parliament is currently about 60 people] (in Russian). UA: Interfax. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  34. ↑ Здание крымского Парламента и Правительства захвачены неизвестными [The building of the Crimean Parliament and Government seized by unknown] (in Russian). UA: Interfax. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  35. 1 2 http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193292.html Number of Crimean deputies present at referendum resolution vote unclear]. Interfax-Ukraine, 27 February 2014.
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 RPT-INSIGHT: How the separatists delivered Crimea to Moscow. Reuters, 13 March 2014.
  37. ↑ Crimea sets date for autonomy vote amid gunmen, anti-Kiev protests, (27 February 2014).
  38. 1 2 Number of Crimean deputies present at referendum resolution vote unclear, Interfax-Ukraine (27 February 2014).
  39. ↑ Crimean parliament to decide on appointment of autonomous republic's premier on Tuesday, Interfax Ukraine (7 November 2011).
  40. ↑ (Ukrainian) The new prime minister is the leader of Russian Unity, Ukrayinska Pravda (27 February 2014).
  41. ↑ The speaker Supreme Council of Crimea still considers Yanukovych as the President. Ukrayinska Pravda. 27 February 2014.
  42. ↑ Babiak, Mat (2014-02-25). "The Hunt for Viktor Yanukovych". Ukrainian Policy. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  43. ↑ Ukraine crisis: Ukraine searches for missing billions, The Daily Telegraph (27 February 2014).
  44. ↑ (Ukrainian) Anyone with a weapon will be prosecuted – Yatseniuk, Ukrayinska Pravda (27 February 2014)
  45. 1 2 3 Под Армянск стянулись силовики из "Беркута". armyansk.info (in Russian). 2014-02-27. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  46. ↑ TCH issue of 2014-02-27 on YouTube
  47. ↑ "Crimea Checkpoints Raise Secession Fears". The Wall Street Journal. 2014-02-28. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  48. ↑ правий сектор не братиме участь у регулювання ситуація у криму ["Right sector" will not take part in resolving the situation in Crimea], Mirror Weekly (in Ukrainian), February 27, 2014
  49. 1 2 Avakov named seizure of airports in Crimea armed invasion and occupation. Ukrinform. 28 February 2014.
  50. ↑ About 50 armed men in military uniform seize Simferopol Airport in early hours of Friday, Interfax-Ukraine (28 February 2014).
  51. ↑ "Simferopol international airport staff deny reports about its capture". The Voice of Russia. 2014-02-28. Retrieved 2014-02-28.
  52. ↑ "Crimea airport operating normally after raid reports". Agence France-Presse. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  53. ↑ Armed people took under control airports in Crimea. Ukrinform. 28 February 2014.
  54. ↑ Is the Simferopol airport controlled by "Crimea self-defense?" Urkayinska Pravda. 28 February 2014.
  55. ↑ Russian soldiers seized State Enterprise "Krymaerorukh". UNIAN. 28 February 2014.
  56. ↑ Putin "Wolves" "guard" the administration in Sevastopol. Ukrayinska Pravda. 28 February 2014.
  57. ↑ In Crimea, the Black Sea Fleet missile boat blocked out Ukrainian border guard ships – source. UNIAN. 28 February 2014.
  58. ↑ Eight Russian military helicopters arrived in Sevastapol. Mirror Weekly. 28 February 2014.
  59. ↑ "Kunitsyn is trying to leave the airport of Simferopol", Ukrinform (in Ukrainian) (UA), 28 February 2014
  60. 1 2 літаків з російськими десантника прзібілі до риму куніцин [13 aircraft with Russian airborne troops arrived to Crimea – Kunitsyn], UNIAN (in Ukrainian) (UA), 28 February 2014, archived from the original on 31 May 2014
  61. ↑ "Poroshenko booed in Crimea", Ukrayinska Pravda, February 28, 2014
  62. ↑ "How protesters booed Crimean speaker", Arguments of week, UA: Crimea, 28 February 2014
  63. ↑ міноборони в ніч на суботу радикал плану ют вторжение у військові частини в криму [The Ministry of Defense: on Saturday night radicals planning the invasion of military units in Crimea], UNIAN (in Ukrainian) (UA), 28 February 2014
  64. ↑ http://www.rnbo.gov.ua/news/2408.html
  65. ↑ "Ukraine crisis live: President Barack Obama warns of 'costs' for any violation of Ukraine". The Telegraph. 28 Feb 2014.
  66. ↑ "Crimea must remain part of Ukraine - Yanukovych - News - World - The Voice of Russia: News, Breaking news, Politics, Economics, Business, Russia, International current events, Expert opinion, podcasts, Video". The Voice of Russia. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  67. ↑ http://web.archive.org/web/20140308175123/http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Defiant-Yanukovych-Urges-Russian-Restraint-in-5277726.php. Archived from the original on March 8, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2014. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  68. 1 2 3 "Ukraine crisis: Crimea leader appeals to Putin for help". BBC News. 2014-03-01. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  69. ↑ "Over 10,000 protest in Ukraine's pro-Russia city of Donetsk". Business Insider. 2014-03-01. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  70. ↑ "Турчинов издал указ о незаконности назначения Аксенова премьером Крыма". Gazeta.ua. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  71. ↑ "Putin requests senators' approval to send troops to Crimea". RT. 2014-03-01. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  72. ↑ "Lawmakers Allow Putin to Use Military in Ukraine". ABC News. 2014-03-01. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  73. ↑ "Совет Федерации разрешил Путину ввести войска на Украину". Lenta.ru. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  74. 1 2 Russian passports already received nine "Berkuts". Ukrayinska Pravda. March 1, 2014
  75. 1 2 3 Ukrainian Navy ships left Sevastopol. UNIAN. March 1, 2014
  76. 1 2 "Hetman Sahaidachny" left the Ukrainian Navy's main base in Sevastopol – Media. Ukrinform. March 1, 2014
  77. ↑ The entrance to Crimea was blocked by unknown in camouflaged and with assault rifles and St. George ribbon. Ukrayinska Pravda. March 1, 2014
  78. ↑ The decision of the Crimean council on a referendum and the government's resignation were falsified – media. Ukrayinska Pravda. March 1, 2014
  79. ↑ For a referendum on the status of Crimea "voted" number of MPs who were absent in the parliament of Crimea. Mirror Weekly. March 1, 2014
  80. ↑ Konstantinov falsified decision of the Crimean council on the referendum and the government's resignation – media. Ukrinform. March 1, 2014
  81. ↑ "Congress considering authorizing defense arms package to Ukraine.". Twitter. 2014-03-01. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  82. ↑ "В США заявили, что могут дать Украине оружие и выгнать Россию из G8" (in Russian). GlavRed.info. 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  83. ↑ Kryzys na Krymie. Kijów zarządził mobilizację wojsk. Rosjanie wejdą na Ukrainę?. Gazeta Wyborcza. March 2, 2014
  84. ↑ "Російські військові штурмують українську частину в Севастополі | Українська правда". Pravda.com.ua. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  85. ↑ "Ukraine calls up reservists after Russian deployment". BBC. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  86. ↑ "Extraordinary stand-off at Crimea military base". ITV News. 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  87. ↑ "Ukraine warns Russia that Crimea intervention will lead to war – live". The Guardian. 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  88. ↑ "Ukraine: live". Telegraph. 3 Mar 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  89. ↑ "Ukrainian Warship Thwarts Attack in Sevastopol", NavalToday.com, 2014-03-04, retrieved 2014-03-07
  90. ↑ "ITAR TASS Russia News Agency". En.itar-tass.com. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  91. ↑ "Akhmetov joins Ukraine oligarchs in pledging to protect homeland". Financial Times. 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  92. ↑ "Five top military, security commanders take oath to Crimea". Rt.com. 3 March 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  93. ↑ "Russia gives Ukrainian forces in Crimea ultimatum to surrender – Interfax". Reuters. 2014-03-03. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  94. ↑ "Europe Russia 'demands Ukrainian navy surrender'". aljazeera. 2014-03-03. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  95. ↑ "Ukraine-Russia dispute intensifies as ferry terminal in Crimea seized – World – CBC News". Cbc.ca. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
  96. ↑ Committee to Protect Journalistshttp://cpj.org/x/5993 (2014-03-03). "Independent media, journalists obstructed in Crimea - Committee to Protect Journalists". Cpj.org. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  97. ↑ Ukraine revolt was anti-constitutional coup, Putin says CBC Retrieved on March 4, 2014
  98. ↑ Putin: Russia not yet sending troops into Ukraine BBC Retrieved on March 4, 2014
  99. 1 2 3 "Confrontation at Crimea Air Base Defused—For Now". The Wall Street Journal. 2014-03-04. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
  100. 1 2 3 Kristian Elster (2014-03-08). "Ukrainas største helter på Krim feiret kvinnedagen" [Ukraine's greatest heroes on Krim celebrate the International Women's Day]. NRK.
  101. 1 2 3 "ARC Government: three anti-aircraft missile regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine join Crimean side". The Voice of Russia. 2014-03-05. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
  102. ↑ "Soldiers of Russia were threatening females with a weapon at the crossing 'Crimea'", Ukrinform, March 5, 2014
  103. 1 2 "In Crimea unknown persons kidnapped an Ukrainian Colonel General", Ukrayinska Pravda, March 5, 2014
  104. ↑ Ukrainian soldiers detained Russian invader with documents. Ukrayinska Pravda. March 5, 2014
  105. ↑ Ukraine crisis: UN envoy 'threatened by gunmen' in Crimea - live. The Daily Telegraph. March 5, 2014
  106. ↑ Ukraine: U.N. special representative held in Crimea. The Daily Star. March 5, 2014
  107. ↑ In Simferopol unknown captured special envoy of the UN Secretary General. Ukrayinska Pravda. March 5, 2014
  108. ↑ Ukrainian officials say United Nations envoy abducted by armed men in Crimea. Daily News. March 5, 2014
  109. ↑ Ukraine: UN special representative stopped by armed men in Crimea-Ukrainian ministry. The Independent. March 5, 2014
  110. ↑ Ukraine crisis: UN envoy confronted by gunmen in Crimea - live updates. The Guardian. March 5, 2014
  111. ↑ Armed men in Crimea threaten UN envoy; Ban dispatches human rights official to Ukraine. United Nations website. March 5, 2014
  112. 1 2 The court gave the green light to arrest "puppets of Putin" in Crimea. Ukrayinska Pravda. March 5, 2014
  113. ↑ Against the Russian vice-admiral was opened case. Ukrayinska Pravda. March 5, 2014
  114. ↑ У Раді зареєстрований проект про вступ до НАТО (in Ukrainian). BBC Ukrainian. 2014-03-05. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
  115. ↑ "Ukraine lawmakers register NATO entry bid". The Voice of Russia. 2014-03-05. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
  116. 1 2 3 "Estonia denies leaked call implicates Ukraine protesters in killings". Reuters. 2014-03-05. Retrieved 2014-03-06.
  117. ↑ Ukraine crisis: March 5 as it happened, The Telegraph, entry for 15.17, March 5, 2014.
  118. 1 2 3 4 "Ukraine crisis: Crimea MPs vote to join Russia". BBC News. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-06.
  119. ↑ "Crimean Tatar Leader Tells People To Stay At Home, Avoid Confrontations". Rferl.org. 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  120. ↑ "'There Was No Quorum': Crimean Lawmaker Calls Vote To Join Russia Flawed". Rferl.org. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  121. ↑ "Gunmen seize Simferopol television station, turn off Channel 5, 1+1, turn on Rossiya 24". The Kyiv Post. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-06.
  122. ↑ "Channel 5, 1+1 turned off in Crimea| Ukrinform". Ukrinform.ua. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  123. ↑ "Russia Sinks Ship to Block Ukrainian Navy Ships >>". Naval Today. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  124. ↑ Antelava, Natalia. "Who Will Protect the Crimean Tatars?". The New Yorker. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  125. ↑ "OSCE observers barred from entering Crimea:Polish minister". Reuters. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  126. ↑ "Ukraine: 30,000 Russian troops in Crimea :: La Prensa :: America in English". Laprensasa.com. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  127. ↑ "BBC News - Ukraine crisis: Russia warns US against 'hasty' sanctions". Bbc.com. 2014-03-08. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  128. ↑ "Disturbing tales emerge from Crimea - CNN.com". Edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  129. ↑ "Armed men confiscate AP equipment in Crimea". Bigstory.ap.org. 2014-03-07. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  130. ↑ Pravda, Ukrainska. "Russians Scuttle Another Ship to Block Ukrainian Fleet - Institute for War and Peace Reporting - P". Iwpr.net. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  131. ↑ "PACE: News". Assembly.coe.int. 2013-11-22. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  132. ↑ Gibson, Owen (7 March 2014). "Ukrainians stage symbolic protest at opening of Sochi Winter Paralympics". The Guardian.
  133. ↑ Russian Military Forces Come Into Chonhar Village, Kherson Region. Ukrainian News. March 8, 2014
  134. ↑ "Russian military capture border department Shcholkino| Ukrinform". Ukrinform.ua. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  135. ↑ "Borderguard plane was attacked by automatic weapons fire from Crimea side. | State border guard service of Ukraine". Dpsu.gov.ua. 2014-03-24. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  136. ↑ "Massandra mobile (rapid reaction) BG post unblocked | State border guard service of Ukraine". Dpsu.gov.ua. 2014-03-24. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  137. ↑ "Euromaidan SOS activist kidnapped in Crimea| Ukrinform". Ukrinform.ua. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  138. ↑ Scholars, Concerned (2014-03-09). "Statement of Concerned Scholars Regarding the Conflict in Ukraine". Concernedscholars.blogspot.ca. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
  139. ↑ "Two journalists disappear in Crimea, feared kidnapped". Haaretz.com. 10 March 2014.
  140. ↑ "Ukrainian State Border Guard Service personnel keep performing tasks on enforcing border protection of South, East and West Ukrainian border". dpsu.gov.ua.
  141. ↑ "Crimean Tatars face tough choice: dig in, or flee". Kyiv Post. March 11, 2014.
  142. ↑ Grytsenko, Oksana (March 10, 2014). "Russian forces on move today in Crimea, seize military hospital in Simferopol and base in Bakhchisaray". Kyiv Post.
  143. ↑ http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=487296
  144. ↑ "Crimea Poster - Business Insider". Business Insider. 10 March 2014.
  145. ↑ "MareikeAden on Twitter: "Now saw this with own eyes. Sad how truth distorted and hatred stirred up on #Crimea http://t.co/NDfbXw3fh7"". External link in |title= (help)
  146. ↑ "Информагентство РБК on Twitter: "Вы хотите повышения зарплаты в 3 раза? Тогда отвечайте да. http://t.co/WW925xxExj"". External link in |title= (help)
  147. ↑ "Crimea parliament declares independence from Ukraine ahead of referendum". RT. March 11, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  148. ↑ "OSCE observers weren't officially invited to Crimean referendum - Crimean authorities". Interfax-Ukraine.
  149. ↑ "Crimea referendum illegal, no OSCE monitoring - Swiss". Firstpost.
  150. ↑ http://www.local10.com/news/Ignoring-West-Crimea-readies-Russia-vote/24912302
  151. ↑ McElroy, Damien (11 Mar 2014). "Ukraine crisis: Flights into Crimea denied permission to land". The Telegraph.
  152. ↑ http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=47253&icid=4&d_str=
  153. ↑ "Party of Regions must stop Crimean referendum - Miroshnychenko".
  154. ↑ "Yanukovych s speech in Rostov looked pathetic - Herman- Ukrinform".
  155. ↑ No.10 in http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/12_03_14_777
  156. ↑ "OSCE team says Crimea gunmen threatened to shoot at them - America-Canada - Worldbulletin News". World Bulletin.
  157. ↑ "UN Human Rights Envoy In Ukraine Unable To Reach Crimea". Talk Radio News Service.
  158. ↑ "Ukraine: MEPs call for firm action on Russia to prevent further escalation". European Parliament.
  159. ↑ "G7 not to recognize Crimea referendum".
  160. ↑ "Russia now backs idea of OSCE mission for Ukraine: Swiss chairman". Reuters.
  161. ↑ "�ô³ö³éíèé ïîðòàë Âåðõîâíî¿ Ðàäè Óêðà¿íè". replacement character in |title= at position 1 (help)
  162. 1 2 3 "Russian Troops Mass at Border With Ukraine". The New York Times. 2014-03-13. Retrieved 2014-03-14.
  163. ↑ "No progress in US-Russian talks on Ukraine". RTE.ie. 14 March 2014.
  164. 1 2 3 "US drone intercepted in Crimean airspace - Russia's state corporation". The Voice of Russia. 2014-03-14. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  165. ↑ "Pentagon: Russian Reports Of US Drone Intercepted Over Crimea Are False". International Business Times. 2014-03-14. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  166. ↑ "Ukraine crisis triggers Russia's biggest anti-Putin protest in two years". Reuters. 15 March 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  167. ↑ Door: Pieter Sabel, Heleen van Lier, Sacha Kester. "Teruglezen: Feest op de Krim na eerste uitslagen referendum". De Volkskrant.
  168. ↑ "Явка на референдуме в Крыму достигла 79%".
  169. 1 2 "BBC News - Crimea referendum: Voters 'back Russia union'". BBC News.
  170. ↑ "Ukraine and Russia agree truce on Crimea". RTE.ie. 16 March 2014.
  171. ↑ Crimean parliament formally applies to join Russia, BBC, March 17, 2014
  172. ↑ Obama Announces Sanctions Over Crimea Vote, VOA, March 17, 2014
  173. ↑ "US futures sharply higher". Independent Online.
  174. ↑ Jarzemsky, Matt. "U.S. Stocks Pop As Investors Take Crimea Vote in Stride". Wall Street Journal.
  175. ↑ "Stocks rebound as factory output surges". Los Angeles Times. March 17, 2014.
  176. ↑ Laura Mandaro, Barbara Kollmeyer. "Stock futures rise after Empire State, Crimea vote". MarketWatch.
  177. ↑ "Президент России".
  178. ↑ "BBC News - Russia's Vladimir Putin recognises Crimea as nation". BBC News.
  179. ↑ "Погибший крымский татарин шел в военкомат, захваченный "дружинниками"". LB.ua.
  180. ↑ Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia Agreement on the accession of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation signed kremlin.ru, accessed 23 January 2016
  181. ↑ "Crimean Tatars Will Have to Vacate Land – Official". RIA. 18 March 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  182. ↑ Putin, Vladimir (March 18, 2014). Address by President of the Russian Federation (English transcript) (Speech). The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia.
  183. ↑ "Russian forces storm one of the last Ukrainian military outposts in Crimea". Washington Post.
  184. ↑ "U.S., other powers kick Russia out of G8". CNN. 24 March 2014.
  185. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/world/europe/obama-russia-crimea.html?hp
  186. ↑ "Putin’s Crimean Medal of Honor, Forged Before the War Even Began". The Daily Beast. March 25, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
  187. ↑ "Ukraine: UN condemns Crimea vote as IMF and US back loans". BBC. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  188. ↑ "Russia's FM notifies Ukraine embassy of plans to scrap some agreements on Black Sea Fleet". ITAR-TASS. 28 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
  189. ↑ . March 29, 2014 http://www.1tv.ru/news/social/255292. Retrieved March 29, 2014. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  190. ↑ http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/crimea-to-set-clocks-to-russia-time-114033000014_1.html. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  191. ↑ Made in the Kremlin: fake about that the killed Ukrainian officer while drunk attacked Russians. Ukrinform. April 7, 2014
  192. ↑ Крым и Украина стали главными темами "прямой линии" Путина: россиян, несогласных с позицией президента, нет (in Russian). NEWSru. 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  193. ↑ "Ukraine crisis: live". The Telegraph. 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  194. ↑ "Vladimir Putin in TV denial that Russian special forces are in eastern Ukraine". The Telegraph. 2014-04-17. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  195. ↑ Paul Roderick Gregory (5 May 2014). "Putin's 'Human Rights Council' Accidentally Posts Real Crimean Election Results". Forbes.
  196. ↑ "Russian government agency reveals fraudulent nature of the Crimean referendum results.". Washington Post.
  197. ↑ "Совет при Президенте РФ / Проблемы жителей Крыма".
  198. ↑ "Прикордонників у Херсонській області атакували із Криму - РНБО". Korrespondent.net. 28 August 2014.
  199. ↑ "Russian Officials Impound Crimean Tatars' Assembly". RFERL. 2014-09-18. Retrieved 2014-09-18.
  200. ↑ "В Крыму без вести пропал еще один крымский татарин". AllCrimea.net. 2014-10-01. Retrieved 2014-10-02.
  201. ↑ "Rights in Retreat". Human Rights Watch. 2014-11-17. Retrieved 2014-11-22.
  202. ↑ "Occupation Officials In Full Denial About Human Rights Watch Report On Abuses In Crimea". The Interpreter Magazine. 2014-11-20. Retrieved 2014-11-22.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, March 19, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.