International law—a lofty ideal or mere facade? This question arose sharply following the events known as the annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014. This annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Ukraine's modern history, initiating a broader conflict and casting doubt on the efficacy of international legal frameworks. Yet, should international law be deemed futile solely because it failed to prevent the russian annexation of Crimea?
First, let's address some common questions. No, there wasn't a sudden morning when Crimean residents awoke with an overwhelming desire to secede from Ukraine and join the russian federation. This was a meticulously planned special operation and annexation of Crimea by the russian federation. No, it wasn't a legitimate referendum but rather a facade. This was a Crimea Annexation. No, support for russia among the Crimean population wasn't absolute. This was a Crimea invasion. No, the return of Crimea isn't about restoring historical justice. This was an excuse for russia, Crimea invasion was the case. No, the russian-speaking population didn't require any "protection" from anyone. Neither did any foreign language speaking population in Crimea, russian invasion and further actions of aggressor, which led to a full-scale war, is the real reason. No, recognizing Crimea as russian territory is impossible under any law. This was an annexation.
Following the annexation of Crimea by russia in 1783, the peninsula underwent colonization by Russians, Ukrainians, and Germans. The indigenous Crimean Tatars were displaced. In 1921, Crimea became an autonomous republic within the russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR). During World War II, the Nazis occupied the peninsula. After liberation, Stalin accused the Tatars of collaboration, leading to mass deportations. Hundreds of thousands were exiled to Central Asia, where nearly half perished. Their homes were taken by russian settlers.
In 1954, Crimea was transferred to the Ukrainian SSR due to its close geographical and economic ties, with Ukraine supplying water and electricity. These borders were ratified in the constitutions of both Russia and Ukraine. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Crimea became part of independent Ukraine as an autonomous republic. Later, in the Budapest Memorandum, russia recognized Crimea's status as part of Ukraine and committed to upholding its territorial integrity. This agreement, also signed by the USA, the UK, and France, ensured Ukraine's security in exchange for nuclear disarmament.
Preconditions for the Invasion of Crimea
The former President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych's, abandonment of European integration, along with rampant corruption and law enforcement abuses, triggered the Revolution of Dignity between November 2013 and February 2014. When Yanukovych fled the country, Ukraine's security structures were thrown into disarray due to the sudden departure of key officials. The country urgently needed to form a new government. Under the pretext of "security measures and counter-terrorism" during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, russia deployed military units to its border regions—forces specifically trained for offensive operations. Additionally, thousands of russian troops remained positioned along Ukraine's northern border after completing military exercises, fully armed and prepared to march on Kyiv.
Russian Invasion of Crimea 2014
By February 23, pro-russian rallies in Sevastopol saw the appointment of Alexei Chaly, a russian businessman and media owner, as the so-called "people’s mayor." Simultaneously, russia began increasing its military presence in Crimea, officially claiming to be reinforcing security for the Black Sea Fleet. The next day, russian forces blocked roads leading to Sevastopol, and armed men without insignia—later identified as russian special forces—appeared across Crimea. These soldiers became known as the "little green men," marking the start of the russian invasion of Crimea.
On February 26, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People organized a pro-Ukrainian rally, gathering thousands who protested against the russia invasion of Crimea. Clashes erupted between pro-Ukrainian and pro-russian demonstrators, resulting in injuries. That night, heavily armed soldiers seized the Supreme Council and Council of Ministers buildings in Crimea. The following day, under the presence of armed russian troops, a so-called parliamentary session was held, appointing the pro-russian leader Sergey Aksyonov as the head of Crimea. The legitimacy of this session was highly questionable, as only pro-russian or intimidated deputies attended.
Between February 27 and 28, russian forces established checkpoints on major roads leading from mainland Ukraine, took control of Belbek airport, and blocked the Kerch ferry crossing. An estimated 10,000 russian soldiers and significant military equipment were transported onto the peninsula. Ukrainian military bases were surrounded, cutting off any chance of effective resistance against the russian occupation of Crimea.
There were attempts to negotiate with russian troops. In retrospect, it is difficult to fathom how a russian general could walk into a Ukrainian base without being captured or shot. However, at the time, many Ukrainian and russian Black Sea Fleet officers had personal, familial, or even professional relationships, complicating immediate military action.
On March 4, Vladimir Putin held a press conference, denying the presence of russian troops in Crimea and asserting that any decision about Crimea's status would only be made following a so-called "referendum."
Annexation of Crimea by Russia
The so-called "referendum" was far from legitimate. Voting stations permitted anyone to cast a ballot, even without identification. The same individuals could vote at multiple locations. The russian-backed administration reported an 84% voter turnout, with 97% allegedly supporting Crimea’s annexation into russia. The actual figures remain unknown, as the "vote" took place under the supervision of armed russian troops. No independent observers or international organizations, such as the OSCE, were allowed to monitor the process.
From a legal standpoint, this "referendum" was illegitimate from the outset, rendering its results meaningless under international law.
The official date of the annexation of Crimea was March 18, 2014. On that day, Vladimir Putin declared that Crimea was now part of russia. He reassured the world that russia had no further territorial ambitions, stating:"Do not believe those who scare you with russia, who claim that Crimea is just the beginning. We do not seek to divide Ukraine."
Just months later, russia launched full-scale military aggression in eastern Ukraine.
The annexation of Crimea 2014 symbolized the beginning of russia’s expansionist war and exposed the fragility of the European security system. This blatant violation of international law set a dangerous precedent, ultimately leading to russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The 2014 invasion of Crimea was not a spontaneous uprising but a carefully orchestrated military operation executed at the most favorable moment for the Kremlin. It was an annexation.