Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked the first forcible seizure of European territory since World War II and triggered the broader Russo-Ukrainian war.
Key Facts
- Annexation formally completed
- 18 March 2014
- Independence declared
- 17 March 2014
- Russian forces seized parliament
- 27 February 2014
- Territories incorporated
- Republic of Crimea and federal city of Sevastopol
- International response
- Russia suspended from G8; UN General Assembly rejected annexation
- Conflict triggered
- Beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Revolution of Dignity in Kyiv ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych on 22 February 2014, creating a power vacuum. The unrest sparked both pro-Russian and anti-separatism demonstrations in Crimea, and Russian president Vladimir Putin instructed his security chiefs to begin work on returning Crimea to Russia.
On 27 February 2014, Russian special forces without insignia seized strategic sites across Crimea. Crimea's parliament was occupied, the existing government was dismissed, a pro-Russian administration installed, and a referendum announced. The vote, held under Russian military occupation, reportedly favored joining Russia. Crimea declared independence on 17 March and was formally incorporated into Russia on 18 March 2014.
Ukraine and numerous countries condemned the annexation as a violation of international law. Russia was suspended from the G8 and faced international sanctions. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity and called the action a temporary occupation. The annexation marked the beginning of the wider Russo-Ukrainian war.