Annexation of Crimea

The annexation of Crimea occurred in 2014 when Russia took control of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Following political unrest in Ukraine, Russia moved troops into Crimea, which had been part of Ukraine since 1954. Russia then held a controversial referendum, where a majority reportedly voted to join Russia, and subsequently declared Crimea part of its territory. The international community largely condemned this move as illegal, considering it a violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law. The annexation significantly increased tensions between Russia and Western countries, impacting regional stability and international relations.