I'm an expert in international relations and geopolitical studies, with a particular focus on the Eastern European region. I can provide an analysis of the situation between Russia and Ukraine, specifically regarding the events that transpired in Crimea in 2014. In February 2014, following the ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, a series of events unfolded that led to a significant geopolitical crisis. The situation in Crimea, a region with a majority ethnic Russian population, became a focal point of international concern. Step 1: English Answer Days after Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych fled the capital of Kiev in late February 2014, armed men, who were widely believed to be Russian forces—although the Russian government initially denied direct involvement—began to take control of the Crimean Peninsula. This move was seen as a strategic action by Russia to secure its interests in the region, particularly concerning the Black Sea Fleet, which is based in Sevastopol, Crimea. The annexation of Crimea by Russia was a complex process involving military occupation and a controversial referendum held on March 16, 2014. The referendum, which was not recognized by most of the international community, resulted in an overwhelming vote in favor of joining Russia. Shortly after, on March 18, 2014, Russia officially annexed Crimea, integrating it as two federal subjects—the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol. The annexation was a clear violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it was met with widespread condemnation from the international community. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution describing the referendum as illegal and calling on states not to recognize changes in the status of Crimea. The Takeaways: 1. Territory: The most significant takeaway is that Russia took control over the territory of Crimea, which had been part of Ukraine since 1954 when it was transferred by Nikita Khrushchev, a Soviet leader of Ukrainian origin. 2. Strategic Assets: Russia secured strategic assets, including the Black Sea Fleet's main base in Sevastopol, which is crucial for its naval power projection in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. 3. Ethnic Russian Support Base: By annexing Crimea, Russia also solidified its influence over a region with a majority ethnic Russian population, which was seen as a potential support base for its policies. 4. International Relations: The annexation strained Russia's relations with the West, leading to a series of economic sanctions and a significant downturn in diplomatic relations. 5. Legal and Political Fallout: The international community, including the United Nations, did not recognize the annexation, and it led to Russia's temporary suspension from the G8 group of nations. 6. Human Rights Concerns: There were also concerns about human rights abuses and the suppression of the Tatar minority and other Ukrainian speakers in Crimea following the annexation. 7. Economic Impact: The annexation had economic implications for both Russia and Ukraine, with the latter losing a key economic region and the former facing sanctions that impacted its economy. **read more >>

Days after Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich fled the capital of Kiev in late February 2014, armed men opposed to the Euromaidan movement began to take control of the Crimean Peninsula. ... On 15 April, the Ukrainian parliament declared Crimea a territory temporarily occupied by Russia.read more >>