DISINFO: Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated after Crimea joined Russia
SUMMARY
Relations between Russia and Western countries, including the European Union, deteriorated as a result of the Ukraine crisis and of Crimea joining Russia in March 2014, as well as because of the sanctions against Russia.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the illegal annexation of Crimea and ongoing war in Ukraine. Crimea did not "join" Russia in March 2014; it was illegally annexed by Moscow based on an illegitimate referendum. On 27 March 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in which it stated that the referendum in Crimea was not valid and could not serve as a basis for any change in the status of the peninsula. On 17 December 2018, the UN General Assembly confirmed its non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea. According to international law, Crimea is a part of Ukraine. Russia violated international law as well as key principles of the European security framework by illegally annexing the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol in 2014. The EU's policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol includes a set of restrictive measures against entities and individuals responsible for actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity. In March 2019, on the fifth anniversary of Crimea's annexation, the EU reiterated its position of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. The EU continues to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Likewise, US economic sanctions imposed against Russia are also a reaction to Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. For similar cases, see here.