What do you need to know about the Crimean resistance to russian occupation?
On February 26, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea to honor the courage and heroism of Ukrainian citizens living in the temporarily occupied territory. Find out why this date is extremely important for the country and what you need to know about the Crimean resistance
Today marks 10 years since February 26, 2014, when a rally in support of Ukraine's territorial integrity was held in Simferopol with the participation of Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and representatives of other nationalities.
Why the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol is an important date and what you need to know about it is described in the article below.
Read more about the prominent Crimean Tatars who have forever inscribed their names in the history of Ukraine and the world here.
The war began in Crimea: how did the peninsula meet russian occupation in 2014?
Ten years ago, the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea became the first target of the russian federation's aggression against Ukraine. Long before the actual invasion, russia created a powerful network of agents in the autonomous republic and did everything to destabilize the socio-political situation.
Timeline of events during the seizure of Crimea
– On February 20, russian troops entered Crimea through the Kerch Strait;
– On February 23, russian special services organized a 20,000-strong rally in Sevastopol, where they proclaimed a "new mayor" - russian citizen Chaly;
– On February 26, russian special services attempted to hold a similar rally in Simferopol according to the "Sevastopol scenario", but all the aggressor's efforts were offset by a powerful rally of Ukrainian patriotic forces.
Thus, thousands of citizens came to the Supreme Council of Crimea at the call of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people. According to various estimates, the rally was attended by 5 to 10 thousand Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and representatives of other national minorities.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
The participants of the patriotic rally called on society to resist the russian occupation and emphasized that Ukraine is united. At that time, Crimeans managed to prevent an extraordinary parliamentary session and revision of the status of the autonomous republic within Ukraine. However, the next day, at 5 a.m., the parliament and government of the ARC were seized by regular russian military units.
On February 28, the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea, "under the supervision" of russian terrorists, voted to hold a referendum on the status of Crimea. On the same day, the russian occupation forces seized the airports of Belbek and Simferopol, land entrances from Ukraine and Ukrainian military units. And on March 16, a pseudo-referendum on the status of Crimea was held, orchestrated by russia.
March 25 was the last day of the Crimean resistance, as on this date, russian troops captured the last military unit that was flying the Ukrainian flag in Crimea, the Ukrainian Navy's Cherkasy minesweeper. Since then, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol have been occupied by the russian armed forces.
February 26 - The Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol symbolizes the resistance to the occupation that has been going on for ten years.
Today, despite 10 years of cynical lies, harassment, searches, illegal detentions and torture, disregard for human rights and freedoms and international law by the russian federation, Crimeans and Crimean Tatars in particular are fighting for the de-occupation of the territories and independence of Ukraine together with Ukrainians.
Crimea is Ukraine! Together to victory!
We remind you! The return of the russian-occupied territories is not only the goal of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, but also the sincere desire of every Ukrainian. Read more about what awaits the peninsula after liberation from russian invaders and what problems Ukraine will face after the de-occupation of Crimea and Donbas.
Photo: UNIAN
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
You may be interested in:
Visit Ukraine Donation - make a good deed and an important contribution to the Victory of Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Legal advice - comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery;
Visit Ukraine News - get the latest news and updates in our Telegram channel;
Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Recommended articles
2 min
Der Weg zum SiegHow many Europeans support Ukrainians as of 2024?
As of 2024, most Europeans continue to express support for the Ukrainian people. This is reflected in various aspects, including support for arms supplies to Ukraine, protection of the rights of Ukrainian refugees, and support for Ukraine's membership in the EU. Learn more about the support of Europeans
24 Feb. 2024
More details2 min
Der Weg zum SiegTwo years of war: everything you need to know about russia's invasion of Ukraine
Today is exactly two years since the russian army invaded Ukraine. During this time, the Ukrainian people have probably experienced one of the most difficult periods in history. Find out what these two years on the frontline have been memorable and what the consequences are for Ukraine
24 Feb. 2024
More details1 min
Der Weg zum SiegHow many donations did the largest foundations of Ukraine raise in 2023?
Ukrainians' donations amount to tens of billions of hryvnias, but the figures are lower than at the beginning of the Great War. Find out how much money charitable foundations in Ukraine raised last year and where Ukrainians donated the most
25 Feb. 2024
More details2 min
PopularBlockade of Ukraine's border: what is happening now and is there a threat to military supplies
Polish protesters continue to block the Ukrainian border over agrarian disagreements with Ukraine. However, the Poles' actions have gone far beyond simply blockading grain. Find out how the protests will affect prices in Ukraine and what the Ukrainian government is proposing for a solution
23 Feb. 2024
More details