The Historical Context of Crimea's Identity

The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 marked a significant turning point, with many residents historically identifying as Ukrainian despite the region's complex ethnic makeup. Before its annexation, Crimea was part of Ukraine, having been transferred from Russia in 1954 when both were under the Soviet Union. The lack of a strong military response by Ukraine during the annexation highlighted the existing political instability within the country, allowing Russia to assert its claim freely. The imposition of Russian identity post-annexation has been significantly driven by military presence and propaganda, forcing a shift away from Ukrainian culture and heritage in the region.