# Annexation of Crimea (2014)

URL: https://history-russia.com/timeline/2014-annexation-of-crimea
Categories: main-event

After the fall of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, Russian troops without insignia seized Crimea. A referendum held on 16 March under military control was followed by annexation on 18 March. The UN General Assembly resolution 68/262 affirmed Ukraine's territorial integrity, and Western sanctions followed. Russia opened the Crimean Bridge in 2018. The annexation began the Russo-Ukrainian war and a deep rupture with the West.

## Why it matters
The annexation began the Russo-Ukrainian war and a deep rupture with the West.

Ruler at the time: [Vladimir Putin](https://history-russia.com/rulers/vladimir-putin-2012)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Russian_annexation_of_Crimea)
- [Wikipedia — United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_68/262)
- [Wikipedia — History of the Russian Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Russian_Federation)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Annexation of Crimea](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Annexation+of+Crimea)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of Russian history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Russian_history)