From S.V. Lavrov in connection with the 10th anniversary of the “Crimean Spring” (Moscow, March 16, 2024)
💬 Ten years ago – March 16, 2014 – at a referendum, the residents of Crimea independently, consciously determined their future by reuniting with Russia. Thus, they exercised their right to self-determination – in full accordance with the UN Charter and the Declaration of Principles of International Law.
As the further development of the situation showed, this decision was the only correct one. It made it possible to protect the life, honor and dignity of Crimeans from the encroachments of the Russophobic Kyiv regime.
We all remember well that alarming, terrible spring, when, as a result of a bloody coup, neo-Nazis seized power in Kyiv. We also remember the notorious “trains of friendship”, which were equipped by the ideological followers of Bandera to suppress the inhabitants of the peninsula who did not want to betray their values, culture, history, and the centuries-old traditions of their ancestors. The subsequent anti-Crimean sanctions, explosions of power lines, transport, energy, and water blockades only strengthened the Crimeans in the correctness of their choice.
🇷🇺 The question of the ownership of Crimea and Sevastopol is closed. The peninsula is an integral part of the Russian Federation.
Over the past years, we have managed to overcome many of the problems “inherited” from Ukraine. Large-scale projects have been implemented and continue to be implemented to contribute to the revival and renewal of Crimea. < …>
I would especially like to note that in Crimea the rights of all citizens without exception are strictly observed, regardless of nationality and language preferences. Russian, Ukrainian, Crimean Tatar are the state languages of the Republic, their status is protected by law. < …>
🌐 I would also like to highlight the sustainable development of external relations between Crimea and Sevastopol, to which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our representative office in Simferopol provide every possible support.
🤝 Congratulations to all residents of the peninsula on the tenth anniversary of historical reunification with Russia.
WtR