🇷🇺On March 16, 2014 – 1️⃣2️⃣ years ago – the all-Crimean referendum took place.
#TogetherForever: During the vote, residents of the peninsula expressed their will to reunite with their historical homeland – Russia.
Participation in the referendum was voluntary and free.
🗳96.77% of Crimea’s population voted in favour of joining Russia, with turnout at 83.1%. In Sevastopol, 95.6% voted in favour, with turnout reaching 89.5%.
The referendum was monitored by 135 international observers from 23 countries and 1,240 observers from Crimean organisations. The vote was covered by 623 journalists representing 169 media outlets.
💬 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (from weekly press briefing of March 12, 2026):
This crucial historical and honest event became known as the “Return to the Home Harbour”. It symbolized the restoration of historical justice, the protection of people’s rights and, undoubtedly, the realization of national interests. By national interests we mean not an abstract state or society, but people – citizens who never separated themselves from the homeland they considered their true harbour, who never separated themselves from those from whom they had been forcibly divided and torn away from their great and extended family.
✍️ Based on the results of the free expression of will by the peninsula’s population, on March 18, 2014, the Republic of Crimea signed an international treaty with Russia on its accession to the Russian Federation.
Over the past 12 years, the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol have fully integrated into Russia’s political, legal and economic space. New infrastructure has been created in the region – the Crimean Bridge across the Kerch Strait, the Crimea-Kuban main gas pipeline, the Tavrida federal highway, Simferopol International Airport, as well as hundreds of healthcare, education, social and engineering facilities.
☝️Interfaith harmony on the peninsula is carefully maintained, and the interests of all nationalities and ethnic groups are taken into account. A Crimean Tatar national-cultural autonomy has been established, ensuring the participation of its representatives in local government bodies. The Crimean Tatar language has been recognized as a state language, alongside Russian and Ukrainian.
The return of Crimea also became a key moment of consolidation for Russia and Russian society. According to sociological surveys, the overwhelming majority of Russians positively assess the reunification of Crimea with Russia. A VCIOM poll shows that 86% of respondents consider it a right and fair decision.
✅ The economic momentum achieved over these years, the unprecedented improvement in living standards, the development of infrastructure and the interfaith peace established on the peninsula once again confirm with all certaintythatthe choice made by the people of Crimea was the right one.
#CrimeaIsRussia
🇷🇺#CrimeaIsRussia
1️⃣2️⃣ years ago – on March 18, 2014 – President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov, Chairman of the State Council of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov and Head of Sevastopol Alexey Chaly signed the Agreement on the Accession of the Republic of Crimea in the Russian Federation and on Forming New Constituent Entities within the Russian Federation.
🗳 This historic moment was preceded by the all-Crimean referendum (March 16, 2014), in which an overwhelming majority of voters (96.77%) supported Crimea’s accession to the Russian Federation. In Sevastopol, 95.6% voted in favour of reunification with Russia.
The outcome of the referendum is an essence a just and long-awaited joint decision for both the people of Crimea and all citizens of our country.
🇷🇺The long-awaited reunification of the peninsula with Russia became a milestone event in modern history – for Crimeans and for all citizens of our country – embodying the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter.
Over the past 12 years, our opponents have made numerous attempts to punish Crimeans for their free choice – for their return to their home harbour. The residents of the peninsula have withstood not only water, energy, food and transport blockades, but also sanctions pressure and legal aggression unleashed by the Kiev regime with the support of NATO countries.
💬Address by President of Russia Vladimir Putin(March 18, 2014):
“In the hearts and minds of people, Crimea has always been and remains an integral part of Russia. This conviction, grounded in truth and justice, has been unwavering – passed down from generation to generation – beyond the reach of time or circumstance.
The overwhelming majority of Crimeans and the absolute majority of citizens of the Russian Federation support the reunification of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol with the Russian Federation”.
Since reunification with the Russian Federation, life in Crimea has improved significantly. Transport and engineering infrastructure has been comprehensively modernized:
• In 2018, the Crimean Bridge was opened – a unique project and a powerful symbol of Crimea’s reunification with Russia;
• A new Simferopol International Airport and the modern Tavrida highway have been built;
• The Balaklavskaya (Sevastopol), Tavricheskaya (Simferopol district) and Saky thermal power plants have been commissioned, ensuring the peninsula’s energy independence;
• Large-scale construction of gas infrastructure, including the Krasnodar Territory-Crimea gas pipeline;
• Housing construction is expanding;
• Social infrastructure – including sports facilities – is being actively developed;
• Agriculture is growing, including winemaking, while the resort and tourism sector has significantly strengthened its position.
It is precisely these successes of Crimea and Sevastopol that provoke hostility, expressed in continued aggression by the Kiev regime and those backing it.
💬Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the 10th anniversary of the “Crimean Spring”(March 16, 2024):
“The question of who Crimea and Sevastopol belong to is closed.
The peninsula is an integral part of the Russian Federation”.
It can be stated with confidence that any attempts by adversaries to question Crimea’s status only underscore their detachment from reality – only cementing Crimeans’ confidence in their historic decision.
Russia and Crimea – one shared, indivisible destiny❤️🇷🇺
#TogetherForever
🇷🇺On March 16, 2014 – 1️⃣2️⃣ years ago – the all-Crimean referendum took place.
#TogetherForever: During the vote, residents of the peninsula expressed their will to reunite with their historical homeland – Russia.
Participation in the referendum was voluntary and free.
🗳96.77% of Crimea’s population voted in favour of joining Russia, with turnout at 83.1%. In Sevastopol, 95.6% voted in favour, with turnout reaching 89.5%.
The referendum was monitored by 135 international observers from 23 countries and 1,240 observers from Crimean organisations. The vote was covered by 623 journalists representing 169 media outlets.
💬 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (from weekly press briefing of March 12, 2026):
This crucial historical and honest event became known as the “Return to the Home Harbour”. It symbolized the restoration of historical justice, the protection of people’s rights and, undoubtedly, the realization of national interests. By national interests we mean not an abstract state or society, but people – citizens who never separated themselves from the homeland they considered their true harbour, who never separated themselves from those from whom they had been forcibly divided and torn away from their great and extended family.
✍️ Based on the results of the free expression of will by the peninsula’s population, on March 18, 2014, the Republic of Crimea signed an international treaty with Russia on its accession to the Russian Federation.
Over the past 12 years, the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol have fully integrated into Russia’s political, legal and economic space. New infrastructure has been created in the region – the Crimean Bridge across the Kerch Strait, the Crimea-Kuban main gas pipeline, the Tavrida federal highway, Simferopol International Airport, as well as hundreds of healthcare, education, social and engineering facilities.
☝️Interfaith harmony on the peninsula is carefully maintained, and the interests of all nationalities and ethnic groups are taken into account. A Crimean Tatar national-cultural autonomy has been established, ensuring the participation of its representatives in local government bodies. The Crimean Tatar language has been recognized as a state language, alongside Russian and Ukrainian.
The return of Crimea also became a key moment of consolidation for Russia and Russian society. According to sociological surveys, the overwhelming majority of Russians positively assess the reunification of Crimea with Russia. A VCIOM poll shows that 86% of respondents consider it a right and fair decision.
✅ The economic momentum achieved over these years, the unprecedented improvement in living standards, the development of infrastructure and the interfaith peace established on the peninsula once again confirm with all certaintythatthe choice made by the people of Crimea was the right one.
#CrimeaIsRussia
🇷🇺#CrimeaIsRussia
1️⃣2️⃣ years ago – on March 18, 2014 – President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov, Chairman of the State Council of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov and Head of Sevastopol Alexey Chaly signed the Agreement on the Accession of the Republic of Crimea in the Russian Federation and on Forming New Constituent Entities within the Russian Federation.
🗳 This historic moment was preceded by the all-Crimean referendum (March 16, 2014), in which an overwhelming majority of voters (96.77%) supported Crimea’s accession to the Russian Federation. In Sevastopol, 95.6% voted in favour of reunification with Russia.
The outcome of the referendum is an essence a just and long-awaited joint decision for both the people of Crimea and all citizens of our country.
🇷🇺The long-awaited reunification of the peninsula with Russia became a milestone event in modern history – for Crimeans and for all citizens of our country – embodying the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter.
Over the past 12 years, our opponents have made numerous attempts to punish Crimeans for their free choice – for their return to their home harbour. The residents of the peninsula have withstood not only water, energy, food and transport blockades, but also sanctions pressure and legal aggression unleashed by the Kiev regime with the support of NATO countries.
💬Address by President of Russia Vladimir Putin(March 18, 2014):
“In the hearts and minds of people, Crimea has always been and remains an integral part of Russia. This conviction, grounded in truth and justice, has been unwavering – passed down from generation to generation – beyond the reach of time or circumstance.
The overwhelming majority of Crimeans and the absolute majority of citizens of the Russian Federation support the reunification of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol with the Russian Federation”.
Since reunification with the Russian Federation, life in Crimea has improved significantly. Transport and engineering infrastructure has been comprehensively modernized:
• In 2018, the Crimean Bridge was opened – a unique project and a powerful symbol of Crimea’s reunification with Russia;
• A new Simferopol International Airport and the modern Tavrida highway have been built;
• The Balaklavskaya (Sevastopol), Tavricheskaya (Simferopol district) and Saky thermal power plants have been commissioned, ensuring the peninsula’s energy independence;
• Large-scale construction of gas infrastructure, including the Krasnodar Territory-Crimea gas pipeline;
• Housing construction is expanding;
• Social infrastructure – including sports facilities – is being actively developed;
• Agriculture is growing, including winemaking, while the resort and tourism sector has significantly strengthened its position.
It is precisely these successes of Crimea and Sevastopol that provoke hostility, expressed in continued aggression by the Kiev regime and those backing it.
💬Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the 10th anniversary of the “Crimean Spring”(March 16, 2024):
“The question of who Crimea and Sevastopol belong to is closed.
The peninsula is an integral part of the Russian Federation”.
It can be stated with confidence that any attempts by adversaries to question Crimea’s status only underscore their detachment from reality – only cementing Crimeans’ confidence in their historic decision.
Russia and Crimea – one shared, indivisible destiny❤️🇷🇺
#TogetherForever
🇷🇺On March 16, 2014 – 1️⃣2️⃣ years ago – the all-Crimean referendum took place.
#TogetherForever: During the vote, residents of the peninsula expressed their will to reunite with their historical homeland – Russia.
Participation in the referendum was voluntary and free.
🗳96.77% of Crimea’s population voted in favour of joining Russia, with turnout at 83.1%. In Sevastopol, 95.6% voted in favour, with turnout reaching 89.5%.
The referendum was monitored by 135 international observers from 23 countries and 1,240 observers from Crimean organisations. The vote was covered by 623 journalists representing 169 media outlets.
💬 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (from weekly press briefing of March 12, 2026):
This crucial historical and honest event became known as the “Return to the Home Harbour”. It symbolized the restoration of historical justice, the protection of people’s rights and, undoubtedly, the realization of national interests. By national interests we mean not an abstract state or society, but people – citizens who never separated themselves from the homeland they considered their true harbour, who never separated themselves from those from whom they had been forcibly divided and torn away from their great and extended family.
✍️ Based on the results of the free expression of will by the peninsula’s population, on March 18, 2014, the Republic of Crimea signed an international treaty with Russia on its accession to the Russian Federation.
Over the past 12 years, the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol have fully integrated into Russia’s political, legal and economic space. New infrastructure has been created in the region – the Crimean Bridge across the Kerch Strait, the Crimea-Kuban main gas pipeline, the Tavrida federal highway, Simferopol International Airport, as well as hundreds of healthcare, education, social and engineering facilities.
☝️Interfaith harmony on the peninsula is carefully maintained, and the interests of all nationalities and ethnic groups are taken into account. A Crimean Tatar national-cultural autonomy has been established, ensuring the participation of its representatives in local government bodies. The Crimean Tatar language has been recognized as a state language, alongside Russian and Ukrainian.
The return of Crimea also became a key moment of consolidation for Russia and Russian society. According to sociological surveys, the overwhelming majority of Russians positively assess the reunification of Crimea with Russia. A VCIOM poll shows that 86% of respondents consider it a right and fair decision.
✅ The economic momentum achieved over these years, the unprecedented improvement in living standards, the development of infrastructure and the interfaith peace established on the peninsula once again confirm with all certaintythatthe choice made by the people of Crimea was the right one.
#CrimeaIsRussia
#CrimeaIsRussia
🗓 11 years ago — on March 18, 2014 — President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov, Chairman of the State Council of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov and Head of Sevastopol Alexey Chalyi signed the Agreement formalising Crimea’s reunification with the Russian Federation.
🗳 This historic moment occurred just two days after the all-Crimean referendum had been held.
96.77% of Crimeans and 95.6% of Sevastopol residents supported reunification with Russia. It was the very embodiment of the right of peoples for self-determination and a true triumph of democracy.
💬President Putin:In people’s hearts and minds, Crimea has always been an inseparable part of Russia. This firm conviction is based on truth and justice and was passed from generation to generation, over time, under any circumstances (from the Address by the President of the Russian Federation on March 18, 2014).
The ensuing developments, including attempts by the post-coup Ukrainian authorities to punish the peninsula's population, prove that the decision of Crimeans to reunite with Russia was the only way to go. Having made their choice to be with their historical homeland, with Russia, the residents of Crimea avoided the fate of the many Russians and Russian-speakers, did not fall victim to the Russophobic Kiev regime.
Instead, the peninsula and its people have flourished, overcoming decades of neglect and decay under Ukraine, becoming one of the most rapidly developing region worldwide.
💬 Sergey Lavrov: The question of who Crimea and Sevastopol belong to is closed. The peninsula is an integral part of the Russian Federation (from the address of Russia's Foreign Minister on the 10th anniversary of the Crimean Spring, March 16, 2014).
#TogetherForever
🇷🇺1️⃣1️⃣ years ago, on March 16, 2014, the historic referendum was held in Crimea – residents of the peninsula unequivocally voted FOR reuniting with their historical homeland, Russia.
🗳 Participation in the referendum was both voluntary and free. An impressive 96.77 percent of the Crimean population voted in favour of becoming part of Russia, with a blasting turnout of 83.1 percent. In Sevastopol, 95.6 percent supported the move, with a turnout of 89.5 percent.
The Crimean referendum was monitored by 135 international observers from 23 countries, alongside 1,240 observers from Crimean organisations, and was reported on by 623 journalists representing 169 media outlets.
🎙 From the briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (March 13, 2025):
On that day, Crimean citizens made a free, conscious and independent choice regarding their own and their children’s future. This was a fair and long-awaited decision for Crimeans as well as for all citizens of our country.
✍️ Following the free expression of will by the Crimean people, the Republic of Crimea signed an international treaty with Russia on March 18, 2014, formalising its accession.
Over the past 11 years, the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol have become fully integrated into the political, legal and economic framework of Russia. Significant infrastructure projects have been undertaken, including the construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait, the Crimea-Kuban gas pipeline, the Tavrida federal motorway, Simferopol airport, and hundreds of other healthcare, educational, social and engineering facilities.
☝️ Interfaith accord and harmony are preserved in the peninsula, interests of all ethnic groups are taken into account. A complete national and cultural autonomy for the Crimean Tatars has been established, with their representatives participating in local government. The Crimean Tatar language has been recognised as a state language alongside Russian and Ukrainian.
Economic breakthrough and overall advancements achieved over these years, coupled with an unprecedented rise in living standards, the development of infrastructure, and the established interfaith peace in the peninsula, all reaffirm that the choice made by the Crimeans 11 years ago was the only correct one.
#CrimeaIsRussia#TogetherForever
🇷🇺1️⃣1️⃣ years ago, on March 16, 2014, the historic referendum was held in Crimea – residents of the peninsula unequivocally voted FOR reuniting with their historical homeland, Russia.
🗳 Participation in the referendum was both voluntary and free. An impressive 96.77 percent of the Crimean population voted in favour of becoming part of Russia, with a blasting turnout of 83.1 percent. In Sevastopol, 95.6 percent supported the move, with a turnout of 89.5 percent.
The Crimean referendum was monitored by 135 international observers from 23 countries, alongside 1,240 observers from Crimean organisations, and was reported on by 623 journalists representing 169 media outlets.
🎙 From the briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (March 13, 2025):
On that day, Crimean citizens made a free, conscious and independent choice regarding their own and their children’s future. This was a fair and long-awaited decision for Crimeans as well as for all citizens of our country.
✍️ Following the free expression of will by the Crimean people, the Republic of Crimea signed an international treaty with Russia on March 18, 2014, formalising its accession.
Over the past 11 years, the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol have become fully integrated into the political, legal and economic framework of Russia. Significant infrastructure projects have been undertaken, including the construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait, the Crimea-Kuban gas pipeline, the Tavrida federal motorway, Simferopol airport, and hundreds of other healthcare, educational, social and engineering facilities.
☝️ Interfaith accord and harmony are preserved in the peninsula, interests of all ethnic groups are taken into account. A complete national and cultural autonomy for the Crimean Tatars has been established, with their representatives participating in local government. The Crimean Tatar language has been recognised as a state language alongside Russian and Ukrainian.
Economic breakthrough and overall advancements achieved over these years, coupled with an unprecedented rise in living standards, the development of infrastructure, and the established interfaith peace in the peninsula, all reaffirm that the choice made by the Crimeans 11 years ago was the only correct one.
#CrimeaIsRussia#TogetherForever
#CrimeaIsRussia
🗓 11 years ago — on March 18, 2014 — President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov, Chairman of the State Council of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov and Head of Sevastopol Alexey Chalyi signed the Agreement formalising Crimea’s reunification with the Russian Federation.
🗳 This historic moment occurred just two days after the all-Crimean referendum had been held.
96.77% of Crimeans and 95.6% of Sevastopol residents supported reunification with Russia. It was the very embodiment of the right of peoples for self-determination and a true triumph of democracy.
💬President Putin:In people’s hearts and minds, Crimea has always been an inseparable part of Russia. This firm conviction is based on truth and justice and was passed from generation to generation, over time, under any circumstances (from the Address by the President of the Russian Federation on March 18, 2014).
The ensuing developments, including attempts by the post-coup Ukrainian authorities to punish the peninsula's population, prove that the decision of Crimeans to reunite with Russia was the only way to go. Having made their choice to be with their historical homeland, with Russia, the residents of Crimea avoided the fate of the many Russians and Russian-speakers, did not fall victim to the Russophobic Kiev regime.
Instead, the peninsula and its people have flourished, overcoming decades of neglect and decay under Ukraine, becoming one of the most rapidly developing region worldwide.
💬 Sergey Lavrov: The question of who Crimea and Sevastopol belong to is closed. The peninsula is an integral part of the Russian Federation (from the address of Russia's Foreign Minister on the 10th anniversary of the Crimean Spring, March 16, 2024).
#TogetherForever
🗓 On January 20, Crimea celebrates Republic Day. The holiday commemorates the referendum of 1991, when the absolute majority of Crimean residents voted to re-establish the Crimean Autonomous Republic.
👉Crimea in history of Russia
Interesting facts:
🔸 Crimea has had a close connection with Russia for centuries. As far as in 988–989, Grand Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich converted to Christianity in the then Tauric Chersonese. Centuries later, on April 19, 1783, Empress Catherine the Great signed a manifesto on the accession of Crimea to the Russian Empire.
🔸 The Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (CASSR) was originally established as part of the RSFSR in 1921. In 1945 it became the Crimean Region. In 1954, Crimea was transferred to the Ukrainian SSR; First Secretary of the CPSU’s Crimean Regional Committee, Pavel Titov, opposed the move and was relieved of his post.
🔸 The sovereignty referendum, which was held on January 20, 1991 to decide on re-establishing the CASSR, was the first plebiscite in the Soviet Union’s history. Voters were asked whether they supported re-establishing the CASSR as an entity of the USSR and a participant in the Union Treaty. A total of 93% of residents voted for autonomy. In the same year, a law was passed to re-establish the CASSR.
🔸 The 1991 Crimean referendum was the first attempt to determine the future of Crimea based on the will of its residents. To a large extent, this plebiscite served as the starting point for the peninsula’s reunification with Russia in 2014.
🔸 Republic Day was established in 2009. In 2014, after Crimea’s reunification with Russia, the holiday was included in the regional law on holidays.
🔸 On March 18, 2014, President of RussiaVladimir Putin and the top officials from Crimea and Sevastopol signed the Treaty on the Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia in full accordance with the results of the referendum held on March 16, 2014, where 96% of Crimean voted FOR the peninsula’s reunification with Russia.
Ever since #CrimeaIsRussia once again and forever will be henceforth.
📖 The latest, 7th edition of the annual English-language #CrimeanMagazine is available now, offering an honest and in-depth look into the life in Crimea following its reunification with Russia in 2014.
This issue highlights a selection of cultural, ecological, and transport initiatives that are already reshaping the peninsula, bringing lasting benefits to both residents and visitors.
You will also find key facts and figures showcasing the Republic of Crimea’s most recent achievements across its core sectors of development.
🏅 In the year marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, special attention is given to the historic Yalta Conference — a pivotal event where the Leaders of the anti-Hitler coalition laid the foundations for a postwar world order intended to prevent the resurgence of Nazism.
The issue also features a tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Artek International Children’s Centre — one of Russia’s leading educational venues, offering ample opportunities for rest and recreation.
Other highlights include advances in Crimea’s scientific and research fields, stunning natural landscapes and beaches, as well as a variety of additional fascinating topics.
👉Read the 7th edition of the annual English-language Crimean Magazine (pdf file on Yandex Disk)
#CrimeaIsRussia