DISINFO: Crimea joined Russia in a 2014 referendum
SUMMARY
Crimea joined Russia as a result of a 2014 referendum. The locals unanimously expressed their opinion on leaving Ukraine and joining Russia, but Ukraine refuses to recognise the Crimean peninsula as Russian territory.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the Russian occupation and illegal annexation of Crimea.
No international body recognises the so-called referendum in Crimea. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution titled “Territorial integrity of Ukraine”, stating that the referendum in Crimea was NOT valid and declaring its non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea. On 17 December 2018, the UN General Assembly confirmed its non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea.
The European Union does not recognise and continues to strongly condemn this violation of international law, which remains a challenge to the international security order. In response to the illegal annexation of Crimea, the EU has imposed restrictive measures against the Russian Federation. In June 2021, the European Council decided to renew the sanctions introduced in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation until 23 June 2022.
See other cases of disinformation about the illegal annexation of Crimea: Crimea reunited with Russia after the signature of the accession treaty to Russia; Crimea rejoined Russia as a result of a popular referendum; Crimea become part of Russia after a referendum; Russia did not annex Crimea; Joining Russia saved Crimea from bloodshed; As a result of the Ukrainian coup, Crimea returns to Russia; Crimea has never been Ukraine.