Crimea

With the partly violent annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea by Russia in February/March 2014 and the subsequent annexation to the Russian Federation, a fait accompli was created. With this action, Russia broke several agreements in Russia's relationship with Ukraine, as well as agreements under international law. In Crimea, a referendum on annexation to Russia was held by the new local government, with a reported 96.77% in favor of joining the Russian Federation. The referendum was not recognized by the G8 countries (except Russia) and the EU.

As a result of the annexation, the Ukrainian parliament decided on November 32, 2014 to abolish the freedom of alliance enshrined in the constitution. As we know today, sanctions against Russia that have been enforced on various occasions have had no effect whatsoever in terms of changing the status quo. On the contrary, the destabilization of Ukraine has continued in the military clashes in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of eastern Ukraine following the Crimean crisis. Local separatists, with Russia's help, engaged in an ongoing belligerent conflict against the Ukrainian army. That this would escalate in 2022 to the point of a Russian invasion of all of Ukraine was something few could have imagined.

From a philatelic point of view, Russia started to draw attention to Crimea as part of Russia with stamps and especially postal stationery in 2014. This has continued every year since. Ukraine, for its part, has continued to designate Crimea as part of the country with issues.

From a philatelic point of view, Russia started to draw attention to Crimea as part of Russia with stamps and especially postal stationery in 2014. This has continued every year since then. Ukraine, for its part, has continued to designate Crimea as part of the country with issues.