DISINFO: Russia's relations with the West deteriorated after Crimea rejoined Russia following a referendum
SUMMARY
Relations between Russia and Western countries deteriorated in connection with the situation in Ukraine and around Crimea, which was reunited with Russia following a referendum held on the peninsula. The West, having accused Russia of interfering, imposed sanctions against it.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about the illegal annexation of Crimea, an attempt to present the referendum as a legal and free expression of the will of Crimean people.
No international body has recognised the so-called Crimea referendum, announced on 27 February 2014, and held on 16 March 2014. Thirteen members of the United Nations Security Council voted in favour of a resolution declaring the referendum invalid. On the 27th of February 2014, when it was announced, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which 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 December 18 2018, the UN General Assembly confirmed its non-recognition of illegal annexation of Crimea.
On the seventh anniversary of Crimea's annexation, the EU reiterated its position of non-recognition of illegal annexation and continues to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.