[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/2014_Crimea_Referendum_Voting.png/330px-2014_Crimea_Referendum_Voting.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2014_Crimea_Referendum_Voting.png)

[![Colored dice with checkered background](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/2014_Crimean_Referendum_Russian_Soldiers.png/330px-2014_Crimean_Referendum_Russian_Soldiers.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2014_Crimean_Referendum_Russian_Soldiers.png)

A disputed [referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Referendum "Referendum")<sup id="cite_ref-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-1"><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-2"><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></a></sup> concerning the status of [Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimea "Crimea") was conducted in the [Autonomous Republic of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea "Autonomous Republic of Crimea") and the city of [Sevastopol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sevastopol "Sevastopol") (both [subdivisions of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_divisions_of_Ukraine "Administrative divisions of Ukraine")) on March 16, 2014, after [Russian forces seized control of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_occupation_of_Crimea "Russian occupation of Crimea").<sup id="cite_ref-3"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-3"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup>

The referendum was a step in the process of [Russia annexing Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annexation_of_Crimea_by_the_Russian_Federation "Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation").<sup id="cite_ref-auto_4-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-auto-4"><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-5"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-5"><span>[</span>5<span>]</span></a></sup> The referendum asked voters whether they wanted to rejoin [Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia "Russia") as a [federal subject](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_subjects_of_the_Russian_Federation "Federal subjects of the Russian Federation"), or if they wanted to restore the [1992 Crimean constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea "Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea") and Crimea's status as a part of [Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine "Ukraine"). The final date and ballot choices were set only ten days before the referendum was held. Before, during and after the referendum was proclaimed, the Crimean peninsula saw Russian soldiers take over public buildings and Ukrainian military installations.<sup id="cite_ref-auto_4-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-auto-4"><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> When the referendum was proclaimed, the [Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mejlis_of_the_Crimean_Tatar_People "Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People") called for a boycott of the referendum.<sup id="cite_ref-ukrinform.ua_6-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-ukrinform.ua-6"><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-pretedermined_7-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-pretedermined-7"><span>[</span>7<span>]</span></a></sup>

The official result from the Autonomous Republic of Crimea was a 97 percent vote for integration of the region into the Russian Federation, with an 83 percent [voter turnout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_turnout "Voter turnout"), and from [Sevastopol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sevastopol "Sevastopol") there was also a 97 percent vote for integration with Russia, with an 89 percent [voter turnout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_turnout "Voter turnout").<sup id="cite_ref-twp-2014-votes_8-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-twp-2014-votes-8"><span>[</span>a<span>]</span></a></sup>

The March 16 referendum's available choices did not include keeping the [status quo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_quo "Status quo") of Crimea and Sevastopol as they were at the moment the referendum was held. The [1992 constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea "Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea") accords greater powers to the [State Council of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Council_of_Crimea "State Council of Crimea"), including full sovereign powers to establish relations with other states; therefore, many Western and Ukrainian commentators argued that both provided referendum choices would result in _[de facto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_facto "De facto")_ separation from Ukraine.<sup id="cite_ref-globeyes_9-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-globeyes-9"><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_10-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-autogenerated1-10"><span>[</span>9<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-11"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-11"><span>[</span>10<span>]</span></a></sup>

Following the referendum, the State Council of Crimea and [Sevastopol City Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sevastopol_City_Council "Sevastopol City Council") declared the independence of the [Republic of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Crimea_(country) "Republic of Crimea (country)") from Ukraine and requested to join the Russian Federation.<sup id="cite_ref-12"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-12"><span>[</span>11<span>]</span></a></sup> On the same day, Russia recognized the Republic of Crimea as a sovereign state.<sup id="cite_ref-13"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-13"><span>[</span>12<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated3_14-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-autogenerated3-14"><span>[</span>13<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-15"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-15"><span>[</span>14<span>]</span></a></sup>

The referendum was illegal under the [Constitution of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Ukraine "Constitution of Ukraine").<sup id="cite_ref-International_Law_16-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-International_Law-16"><span>[</span>15<span>]</span></a></sup> It is not recognized by most countries,<sup id="cite_ref-17"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-17"><span>[</span>16<span>]</span></a></sup> as it was conducted under the auspices of [Russian forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_military_intervention_in_Ukraine_(2014%E2%80%93present) "Russian military intervention in Ukraine (2014–present)").<sup id="cite_ref-UNGA_18-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-UNGA-18"><span>[</span>17<span>]</span></a></sup> Thirteen members of the [United Nations Security Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council "United Nations Security Council") voted in favor of a resolution declaring the referendum invalid, but Russia [vetoed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_veto_power "United Nations Security Council veto power") it and China abstained.<sup id="cite_ref-19"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-19"><span>[</span>18<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-20"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-20"><span>[</span>19<span>]</span></a></sup> A [United Nations General Assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly "United Nations General Assembly") [resolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_resolution_68/39 "United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/39") was later adopted, by a vote of 100 in favor vs. 11 against with 58 abstentions, which declared the referendum invalid and affirmed Ukraine's territorial integrity.<sup id="cite_ref-UNGA_18-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-UNGA-18"><span>[</span>17<span>]</span></a></sup>

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/UkraineNativeLanguagesCensus2001detailed-en.png/250px-UkraineNativeLanguagesCensus2001detailed-en.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UkraineNativeLanguagesCensus2001detailed-en.png)

Linguistic map of Ukraine according to [the 2001 census](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Census_(2001) "Ukrainian Census (2001)"), with Russian (in red) dominant in Crimea.

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Distribution_of_ethnic_groups_in_Crimea_%282001%29_EN.svg/250px-Distribution_of_ethnic_groups_in_Crimea_%282001%29_EN.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Distribution_of_ethnic_groups_in_Crimea_(2001)_EN.svg)

Distribution of ethnicities in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (which doesn't include Sevastopol) according to [the 2001 census](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Census_(2001) "Ukrainian Census (2001)"). Ethnic Russians comprise a majority at 58%.<sup id="cite_ref-21"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-21"><span>[</span>20<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-2001-census_22-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-2001-census-22"><span>[</span>21<span>]</span></a></sup>

  Russians

  Ukrainians

  Tatars (Crimean and other)

  Belarusians

  Other

According to the [2001 Ukrainian population census](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Crimea "Demographics of Crimea"), 58.3% of the population of the [Autonomous Republic of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea "Autonomous Republic of Crimea") are ethnic [Russians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russians "Russians"), 24.3% are ethnic [Ukrainians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainians "Ukrainians") and 12% are [Crimean Tatars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Tatars "Crimean Tatars"). In [Sevastopol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sevastopol "Sevastopol"), 71.6% are ethnic Russians and 22.4% are ethnic Ukrainians.<sup id="cite_ref-2001-census_22-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-2001-census-22"><span>[</span>21<span>]</span></a></sup> 77% of Crimea's and 94% of Sevastopol's population are native speakers of Russian.<sup id="cite_ref-23"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-23"><span>[</span>22<span>]</span></a></sup>

Crimea and Sevastopol are neighboring subdivisions of [Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine "Ukraine") located in the [Crimean peninsula](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_peninsula "Crimean peninsula"), a region with [a long and complex history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Crimea "History of Crimea").<sup id="cite_ref-24"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-24"><span>[</span>23<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Rada_25-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Rada-25"><span>[</span>24<span>]</span></a></sup> Demographically, the region is currently populated by Russian-speaking majorities but with [such demographics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Crimea "Demographics of Crimea") undergoing dramatic changes for the past 200 years, due in part to the [deportation of the Crimean Tatars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deportation_of_the_Crimean_Tatars "Deportation of the Crimean Tatars") in 1944.<sup id="cite_ref-26"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-26"><span>[</span>25<span>]</span></a></sup> Following the Tatar deportation, large numbers of ethnic Russians and ethnic Ukrainians settled in the region.<sup id="cite_ref-27"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-27"><span>[</span>26<span>]</span></a></sup>

During the period of the Soviet Union, the [Crimean Oblast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Oblast "Crimean Oblast") was a subdivision of the [Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Soviet_Federative_Socialist_Republic "Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic") until the [1954 transfer of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_transfer_of_Crimea "1954 transfer of Crimea") into the [Ukrainian SSR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_SSR "Ukrainian SSR"). Crimea became part of independent Ukraine after the [dissolution of the Soviet Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissolution_of_the_Soviet_Union "Dissolution of the Soviet Union"), shortly after Crimea had re-gained its [autonomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Autonomous_Soviet_Socialist_Republic "Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic") following a [1991 referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Crimean_sovereignty_referendum "1991 Crimean sovereignty referendum").<sup id="cite_ref-Sasse_28-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Sasse-28"><span>[</span>27<span>]</span></a></sup> The [Ukrainian parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verkhovna_Rada_of_Ukraine "Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine") abolished the [1992 Crimean Constitution](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/ru:%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%83%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%A0%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%9A%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BC "s:ru:Конституция Республики Крым")<sup id="cite_ref-29"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-29"><span>[</span>28<span>]</span></a></sup> and the office of [President of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Crimea "President of Crimea") in 1995.<sup id="cite_ref-Abolished_30-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Abolished-30"><span>[</span>29<span>]</span></a></sup> In 1998, Crimea gained a new constitution, which granted it less autonomy; notably, any legislation passed by the [Crimean parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_parliament "Crimean parliament") could be vetoed by the [Ukrainian parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_parliament "Ukrainian parliament").<sup id="cite_ref-Sasse_28-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Sasse-28"><span>[</span>27<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-31"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-31"><span>[</span>30<span>]</span></a></sup>

### Polling prior to Russian occupation

\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Polling prior to Russian occupation")\]

Polling in 2008 by the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies, also called the [Razumkov Centre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razumkov_Centre "Razumkov Centre"), found that a majority of Crimeans simultaneously approved the idea of joining Russia (63.8%), while also supporting the idea of remaining within Ukraine if Crimea was given greater autonomy (53.8%). Razumkov concluded that "the desired status of Crimea remains undecided by its residents. In their approaches, Crimeans reveal confusion, as they sometimes support mutually excluding alternatives... That is, half of Crimeans may, dependent on circumstances, support both secession of Crimea from Ukraine and an opposite scenario."<sup id="cite_ref-32"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-32"><span>[</span>31<span>]</span></a></sup>

In contrast, the Kyiv Post polling found that from 2008–11, there rise of respondents who defined Ukraine as their "motherland" to increase from 32% to 71%.<sup id="cite_ref-33"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-33"><span>[</span>32<span>]</span></a></sup>

The [United Nations Development Programme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNDP "UNDP") conducted a series of polls in Crimea between 2009 and 2011 about the status of Crimea and the question of leaving Ukraine and joining Russia with a sample size of 1,200:

<table><caption>If a referendum was held on the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to Russia, how would you vote?</caption><tbody><tr><th>Quarter</th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th><th>Undecided</th></tr><tr><td>2009 Q3<sup id="cite_ref-undp2009_34-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2009-34"><span>[</span>33<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>70%</td><td>14%</td><td>16%</td></tr><tr><td>2009 Q4<sup id="cite_ref-undp2009_34-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2009-34"><span>[</span>33<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>67%</td><td>15%</td><td>18%</td></tr><tr><td>2010 Q1<sup id="cite_ref-undp2010_35-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2010-35"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>66%</td><td>14%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>2010 Q2<sup id="cite_ref-undp2010_35-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2010-35"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>65%</td><td>12%</td><td>23%</td></tr><tr><td>2010 Q3<sup id="cite_ref-undp2010_35-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2010-35"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>67%</td><td>11%</td><td>22%</td></tr><tr><td>2010 Q4<sup id="cite_ref-undp2010_35-3"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2010-35"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>66%</td><td>9%</td><td>25%</td></tr><tr><td>2011 Q4<sup id="cite_ref-undp2011_36-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2011-36"><span>[</span>35<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>65.6%</td><td>14.2%</td><td>20.2%</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>There are different opinions about what status would be optimal for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Which of the options below most closely matches your views?” In your opinion, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea should be: ...?</caption><tbody><tr><th>Quarter</th><th>Become part of the Russian Federation</th><th>Become an independent state</th><th>Stay in Ukraine with greater autonomy</th><th>Stay in Ukraine with the same level of autonomy</th><th>Stay in Ukraine with the reduced autonomy</th><th>Become a normal region of Ukraine</th><th>Become a region under the direct control of the president</th><th>Undecided</th></tr><tr><td>2009 Q3<sup id="cite_ref-undp2009_34-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2009-34"><span>[</span>33<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>46%</td><td>9%</td><td>24%</td><td>9%</td><td>0%</td><td>6%</td><td>0%</td><td>6%</td></tr><tr><td>2009 Q4<sup id="cite_ref-undp2009_34-3"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2009-34"><span>[</span>33<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>43%</td><td>10%</td><td>24%</td><td>9%</td><td>0%</td><td>7%</td><td>1%</td><td>6%</td></tr><tr><td>2010 Q1<sup id="cite_ref-undp2010_35-4"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2010-35"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>44%</td><td>10%</td><td>24%</td><td>9%</td><td>0%</td><td>7%</td><td>0%</td><td>6%</td></tr><tr><td>2010 Q2<sup id="cite_ref-undp2010_35-5"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2010-35"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>42%</td><td>10%</td><td>24%</td><td>9%</td><td>0%</td><td>6%</td><td>0%</td><td>7%</td></tr><tr><td>2010 Q3<sup id="cite_ref-undp2010_35-6"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2010-35"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>48%</td><td>8%</td><td>24%</td><td>9%</td><td>0%</td><td>6%</td><td>0%</td><td>5%</td></tr><tr><td>2010 Q4<sup id="cite_ref-undp2010_35-7"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2010-35"><span>[</span>34<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>45%</td><td>7%</td><td>28%</td><td>9%</td><td>0%</td><td>5%</td><td>0%</td><td>6%</td></tr><tr><td>2011 Q4<sup id="cite_ref-undp2011_36-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-undp2011-36"><span>[</span>35<span>]</span></a></sup></td><td>41%</td><td>11%</td><td>19.1%</td><td>12.4%</td><td>0.1%</td><td>6.1%</td><td>2%</td><td>8.3%</td></tr></tbody></table>

A poll by the [International Republican Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Republican_Institute "International Republican Institute") in May 2013 found that 53% wanted "Autonomy in Ukraine (as today)", 12% were for "Crimean Tatar autonomy within Ukraine", 2% for "Common oblast of Ukraine", and 23% voted for "Crimea should be separated and given to Russia".<sup id="cite_ref-37"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-37"><span>[</span>36<span>]</span></a></sup>

A poll conducted in Crimea in 2013 by the [Kyiv International Institute of Sociology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv_International_Institute_of_Sociology "Kyiv International Institute of Sociology") found that 35.9% of Crimeans support the unification of the entirety of Ukraine with Russia.<sup id="cite_ref-38"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-38"><span>[</span>37<span>]</span></a></sup> The poll was repeated between February 8 – 18, 2014 (just days before the ousting of former Ukrainian president [Viktor Yanukovych](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Yanukovych "Viktor Yanukovych")), with the amount of those wishing to join Ukraine and Russia rising to then 41%.

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/2014-03-10_-_Yevpatoria_military_base_-_0017.JPG/250px-2014-03-10_-_Yevpatoria_military_base_-_0017.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2014-03-10_-_Yevpatoria_military_base_-_0017.JPG)

Request made in [Russian language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_language "Russian language") by the Ukrainian [Council of Ministers of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Ministers_of_Crimea "Council of Ministers of Crimea") to the Ukrainian 55th Anti-Aircraft Artillery regiment in Yevpatoria to lay down arms under control of the [Russian Black Sea Fleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sea_Fleet "Black Sea Fleet") for the period of the referendum.

Amidst tensions in the region during the [Ukrainian revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Ukrainian_revolution "2014 Ukrainian revolution"), On February 27, [Russian forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_green_men_(Russo-Ukrainian_War) "Little green men (Russo-Ukrainian War)") cut the Crimean Peninsula off from the mainland Ukraine and took over the [Supreme Council of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Council_of_Crimea "Supreme Council of Crimea"). Under armed occupation, the Crimean regional government was dissolved and reconstituted under Russian supervision, and voted to hold a referendum on the status of Crimea on May 25.<sup id="cite_ref-39"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-39"><span>[</span>38<span>]</span></a></sup>

[Interfax-Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interfax-Ukraine "Interfax-Ukraine") reported that, "it is impossible to find out whether all the 64 members of the 100-member legislature who were registered as present, when the two decisions were voted on or whether someone else used the plastic voting cards of some of them" because due to the armed occupation of parliament it was unclear how many members of parliament were present.<sup id="cite_ref-IUCR27214_40-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-IUCR27214-40"><span>[</span>39<span>]</span></a></sup> Russian militia commander [Igor Girkin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_Girkin "Igor Girkin") recounted that his squad "collected" the deputies into the chambers, and had to "forcibly drive them to vote".<sup id="cite_ref-:22_41-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-:22-41"><span>[</span>40<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-42"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-42"><span>[</span>41<span>]</span></a></sup> Enver Abduraimov, member of the parliament presidium, said that he did not go inside when he saw that armed guards who secured the building were confiscating all communications devices from deputies. Andriy Krysko, head of the Crimean branch of the Voters Committee of Ukraine, announced that no one from the parliament secretariat was in the building when voting took place.<sup id="cite_ref-IUCR27214_40-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-IUCR27214-40"><span>[</span>39<span>]</span></a></sup>

The referendum was to be about the status of Crimea within Ukraine and was set for May 25, but later, on March 1, it was moved up to March 30.<sup id="cite_ref-LATimes2014-03-01a_43-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-LATimes2014-03-01a-43"><span>[</span>42<span>]</span></a></sup> The referendum was approved by the Supreme Council of Crimea in February but the [Central Election Commission of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Election_Commission_of_Ukraine "Central Election Commission of Ukraine") denounced it by stating that the Crimean authorities do not possess the legal jurisdiction to conduct it.<sup id="cite_ref-44"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-44"><span>[</span>43<span>]</span></a></sup> Regarding the referendum's initial purpose, _[The Daily Telegraph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Daily_Telegraph "The Daily Telegraph")_ reported on February 27, that it, "appears to be for greater autonomy within Ukraine rather than for full independence."<sup id="cite_ref-45"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-45"><span>[</span>44<span>]</span></a></sup>

On March 4, the district administration court of [Kyiv](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv "Kyiv") nullified the no confidence vote in the [Council of Ministers of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Ministers_of_Crimea "Council of Ministers of Crimea") and the appointment of [Sergey Aksyonov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergey_Aksyonov "Sergey Aksyonov") as [Prime Minister of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Crimea "Prime Minister of Crimea") and declared the organization and conduct of the referendum as illegal.<sup id="cite_ref-court_cancelled_46-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-court_cancelled-46"><span>[</span>45<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-47"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-47"><span>[</span>46<span>]</span></a></sup> On March 6, the Supreme Council changed the date of the referendum from March 30 to 16 and changed the choice for the referendum from greater autonomy to accession to the Russian Federation. This decision was made with 78 votes in favor and 8 abstentions.<sup id="cite_ref-48"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-48"><span>[</span>47<span>]</span></a></sup> Concerns were raised about the presence of armed forces outside the parliament and reports of lawmakers being denied access to the vote.<sup id="cite_ref-49"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-49"><span>[</span>48<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-50"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-50"><span>[</span>49<span>]</span></a></sup> Later that day, acting President Turchynov announced "In accordance with power I am conferred on, I have stopped the decision of the Crimean parliament. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will initiate dissolution of the parliament of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. We will defend the inviolability of the Ukrainian territory." On 14 March, the referendum was deemed unconstitutional by the [Constitutional Court of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Court_of_Ukraine "Constitutional Court of Ukraine"),<sup id="cite_ref-51"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-51"><span>[</span>50<span>]</span></a></sup> and a day later, the [Verkhovna Rada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verkhovna_Rada "Verkhovna Rada") formally dissolved the Crimean parliament.<sup id="cite_ref-zakon_52-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-zakon-52"><span>[</span>51<span>]</span></a></sup>

The [Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mejlis_of_the_Crimean_Tatar_People "Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People") had called for a boycott of the referendum.<sup id="cite_ref-ukrinform.ua_6-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-ukrinform.ua-6"><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup> Several hundred residents of Crimea, mainly Crimean Tatars, left Crimea for security reasons according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.<sup id="cite_ref-53"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-53"><span>[</span>52<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-54"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-54"><span>[</span>53<span>]</span></a></sup> The BBC reported that most of the [Crimean Tatars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Tatars "Crimean Tatars") that they interviewed were boycotting the vote.<sup id="cite_ref-55"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-55"><span>[</span>54<span>]</span></a></sup>

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/2014_Crimean_referendum_ballot.png/250px-2014_Crimean_referendum_ballot.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2014_Crimean_referendum_ballot.png)

A ballot for voting on referendum written in three languages: [Russian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_language "Russian language"), [Ukrainian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language "Ukrainian language") and [Crimean Tatar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Tatar_language "Crimean Tatar language")

There were two choices to choose from on the ballot. Voters were able to choose only one of these.<sup id="cite_ref-56"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-56"><span>[</span>55<span>]</span></a></sup> The choices reflected the following stances:<sup id="cite_ref-57"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-57"><span>[</span>56<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-BBC_58-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-BBC-58"><span>[</span>57<span>]</span></a></sup>

_**Choice 1:** Do you support the reunification of Crimea with Russia with all the rights of a federal subject of the Russian Federation?_

_**Choice 2:** Do you support the restoration of the [Constitution of the Republic of Crimea in 1992](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_Crimean_constitution "1992 Crimean constitution") and the status of the Crimea [as part of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_divisions_of_Ukraine "Administrative divisions of Ukraine")?_<sup id="cite_ref-kryminfo1_59-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-kryminfo1-59"><span>[</span>58<span>]</span></a></sup>

The referendum's available choices did not include keeping the status quo of retaining arrangements enacted by the 1998 [Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea "Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea"). Additionally, the meaning of the second choice is unclear because there were two revisions of the [Crimean constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea "Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea") in 1992.<sup id="cite_ref-duplicate_60-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-duplicate-60"><span>[</span>59<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-61"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-61"><span>[</span>60<span>]</span></a></sup> The original [1992 constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea#History "Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea") was adopted together with a [declaration of independence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_independence "Declaration of independence"), but the parliament then amended the constitution one day later to affirm that Crimea "was a part of Ukraine".<sup id="cite_ref-kolsto-edemsky-1995_63-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-kolsto-edemsky-1995-63"><span>[</span>b<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-64"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-64"><span>[</span>62<span>]</span></a></sup>

Many commentators, including those at _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_, [Kyiv Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv_Post "Kyiv Post"), and [Fox News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News "Fox News"), argued that both choices would result in _de facto_ independence.<sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_10-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-autogenerated1-10"><span>[</span>9<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated5_65-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-autogenerated5-65"><span>[</span>63<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-kpyesyes_66-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-kpyesyes-66"><span>[</span>64<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-foxyes_67-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-foxyes-67"><span>[</span>65<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-biyes_68-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-biyes-68"><span>[</span>66<span>]</span></a></sup>

The ballot was printed in three languages: [Russian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_language "Russian language"), [Ukrainian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_language "Ukrainian language") and [Crimean Tatar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Tatar_language "Crimean Tatar language") (in the [Cyrillic script](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrillic_script "Cyrillic script")).<sup id="cite_ref-69"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-69"><span>[</span>67<span>]</span></a></sup>

There were two simultaneous referendums, one organised by the [Sevastopol City Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sevastopol_City_Council "Sevastopol City Council")<sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (March 2014)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> and another organised by a special committee<sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (March 2014)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> set up by the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

Several irregularities were reported during the vote. People were seen dropping the ballots before the start of the referendum. Journalists were not allowed at some stations.<sup id="cite_ref-70"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-70"><span>[</span>68<span>]</span></a></sup>

The referendum was to be decided by a simple majority with the choice with the most votes declared winner.<sup id="cite_ref-71"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-71"><span>[</span>c<span>]</span></a></sup> The referendum rules did not state if there was a threshold number of votes needed for the result to be enacted.<sup id="cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal-72"><span>[</span>69<span>]</span></a></sup>

President of Russia [Vladimir Putin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin "Vladimir Putin") during his conversation with [Mustafa Dzhemilev](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Dzhemilev "Mustafa Dzhemilev"), a former chairman of the [Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mejlis_of_the_Crimean_Tatar_People "Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People"), stated that [Ukrainian Independence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Independence_of_Ukraine "Declaration of Independence of Ukraine") from the [Soviet Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union "Soviet Union") was not obtained legitimately,<sup id="cite_ref-73"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-73"><span>[</span>70<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-75"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-75"><span>[</span>d<span>]</span></a></sup> while maintaining that the Crimean referendum followed all international-law, the UN charter, and the convention established by Kosovo's NATO-prodded annexation from Serbia.<sup id="cite_ref-76"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-76"><span>[</span>72<span>]</span></a></sup>

Russia and the Crimean parliament argue that the referendum is legal, citing the UN recognized right of self-determination and the [advisory opinion on Kosovo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Court_of_Justice_advisory_opinion_on_Kosovo%27s_declaration_of_independence "International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Kosovo's declaration of independence") in which the [International Court of Justice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Court_of_Justice "International Court of Justice") declared that [international law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_law "International law") contains no prohibition against [declarations of independence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unilateral_declaration_of_independence "Unilateral declaration of independence").<sup id="cite_ref-77"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-77"><span>[</span>73<span>]</span></a></sup> Legal scholars have disputed the validity of the Kosovo analogy.<sup id="cite_ref-Bellinger01_78-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Bellinger01-78"><span>[</span>74<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Experts01_79-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Experts01-79"><span>[</span>75<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-BBC-Weller01_80-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-BBC-Weller01-80"><span>[</span>76<span>]</span></a></sup>

Organizing and holding the referendum on Crimea's accession to Russia was illegal under the [Constitution of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Ukraine "Constitution of Ukraine").<sup id="cite_ref-International_Law_16-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-International_Law-16"><span>[</span>15<span>]</span></a></sup> According to article 73 of the 1996 Constitution of Ukraine<sup id="cite_ref-81"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-81"><span>[</span>77<span>]</span></a></sup> and article 3 of the 2012 [Ukrainian law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Ukraine "Law of Ukraine") "On all-Ukrainian referendum", territorial changes can only be approved via a referendum where all the citizens of Ukraine are allowed to vote, including those that do not reside in Crimea.<sup id="cite_ref-82"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-82"><span>[</span>78<span>]</span></a></sup> The [Central Election Commission of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Election_Commission_of_Ukraine "Central Election Commission of Ukraine") also stated that there are no judicial possibilities, according to the legislation of Ukraine, to initiate such changes.<sup id="cite_ref-83"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-83"><span>[</span>79<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-:1_84-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-:1-84"><span>[</span>80<span>]</span></a></sup>

Both of the ballot options for the March 16, 2014 Crimean referendum acknowledged that Crimea was already an independent state at that time,<sup id="cite_ref-85"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-85"><span>[</span>81<span>]</span></a></sup> despite the declaration of independence occurring without a national vote in Ukraine, as the constitutions required.

The [interim Ukrainian government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Yatsenyuk_Government "First Yatsenyuk Government"), the [European Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union "European Union"), and several other bodies stated that any referendum held by the local government of Crimea without the express authority of Ukraine is unconstitutional and illegitimate. The interim government in Kyiv and the pro-Russian Crimean faction did not recognize each other as legitimate.<sup id="cite_ref-ukrinform.ua_6-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-ukrinform.ua-6"><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-march6bbc_86-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-march6bbc-86"><span>[</span>82<span>]</span></a></sup> Additionally, the [Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mejlis_of_the_Crimean_Tatar_People "Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People")—the unofficial political association of the Crimean Tatars—called for a boycott of the referendum.<sup id="cite_ref-ukrinform.ua_6-3"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-ukrinform.ua-6"><span>[</span>6<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-pretedermined_7-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-pretedermined-7"><span>[</span>7<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-87"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-87"><span>[</span>83<span>]</span></a></sup>

The [Venice Commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice_Commission "Venice Commission") declared that the referendum was illegal under both Ukrainian and Crimean Constitutions, and violated international standards and norms.<sup id="cite_ref-88"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-88"><span>[</span>84<span>]</span></a></sup> The Venice Commission stressed that self-determination was to be understood primarily as internal self-determination within the framework of the existing borders and not as external self-determination through [secession](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secession "Secession"). Moreover, the Venice Commission opined, any referendum on the status of a territory should have been preceded by serious negotiations among all stakeholders, and that such negotiations did not take place.

Many scholars and politicians ([Neil Melvin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Melvin "Neil Melvin"), [Robert McCorquodale](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robert_McCorquodale&action=edit&redlink=1 "Robert McCorquodale (page does not exist)"), [John Kerry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kerry "John Kerry"), [John B. Bellinger III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_B._Bellinger_III "John B. Bellinger III"), [Marc Weller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Weller_(professor) "Marc Weller (professor)") among others) have stated that the referendum was conducted under the cover of assault rifles and, thus, the result was obtained through violence.<sup id="cite_ref-Bellinger01_78-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Bellinger01-78"><span>[</span>74<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Experts01_79-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Experts01-79"><span>[</span>75<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-BBC-Weller01_80-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-BBC-Weller01-80"><span>[</span>76<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-ukrinform-2014-legitimacy_89-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-ukrinform-2014-legitimacy-89"><span>[</span>85<span>]</span></a></sup>

Party of Regions MP [Yuriy Miroshnychenko](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yuriy_Miroshnychenko&action=edit&redlink=1 "Yuriy Miroshnychenko (page does not exist)") claimed on March 11 that "the Crimean referendum is illegitimate, and its holding must be immediately stopped".<sup id="cite_ref-90"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-90"><span>[</span>86<span>]</span></a></sup> Another Party of Regions MP, [Hanna Herman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanna_Herman "Hanna Herman"), commented the same day about Yanukovych's press conference, "He needs to ... prevent the illegal referendum".<sup id="cite_ref-91"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-91"><span>[</span>87<span>]</span></a></sup>

According to [BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News") the campaign leading up to the referendum was "almost entirely pro-Russian".<sup id="cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal-72"><span>[</span>69<span>]</span></a></sup> Pro-Russia election posters often featured crossed-out [swastikas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastikas "Swastikas") in an alleged attempt to be saying "No" to the [Ukrainian government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Yatsenyuk_Government "First Yatsenyuk Government"), whom they alleged to be [neo-Nazis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Nazis "Neo-Nazis").<sup id="cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal-72"><span>[</span>69<span>]</span></a></sup> Shortly after the referendum was called, Ukrainian TV channels were made unavailable for Crimean viewers, some of them were replaced with Russian stations.<sup id="cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-3"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal-72"><span>[</span>69<span>]</span></a></sup> BBC News also stated it had received reports of violence against pro-Ukrainian activists.<sup id="cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-4"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal-72"><span>[</span>69<span>]</span></a></sup>

Unsigned billboards and leaflets campaigning for the referendum, describing new Ukraine government as fascists and showing economic reasons to join Russia, appeared throughout Crimea.<sup id="cite_ref-92"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-92"><span>[</span>88<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-93"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-93"><span>[</span>89<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-94"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-94"><span>[</span>90<span>]</span></a></sup>

### OSCE and UN absence

\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: OSCE and UN absence")\]

On March 10, 2014 the _de facto_ Prime Minister of Crimea, [Sergey Aksyonov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergey_Aksyonov "Sergey Aksyonov"), made an unofficial verbal invitation to the [Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_for_Security_and_Co-operation_in_Europe "Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe") (OSCE) to [monitor the plebiscite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_monitoring "Election monitoring").<sup id="cite_ref-interfax-2014-crimea-invite-osce_95-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-interfax-2014-crimea-invite-osce-95"><span>[</span>91<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-reuters-2014-crimea-invites-observers_96-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-reuters-2014-crimea-invites-observers-96"><span>[</span>92<span>]</span></a></sup> However, later in the day, an OSCE spokeswoman said that Crimea did not have the authority to invite the organization into the region as it is not a fully-fledged state and, therefore, incapable of requesting services provided exclusively to OSCE members. OSCE personnel already in Crimea were asked to leave by the pro-Russian authorities.<sup id="cite_ref-reuters-2014-crimea-invites-observers_96-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-reuters-2014-crimea-invites-observers-96"><span>[</span>92<span>]</span></a></sup> On March 11, the OSCE chair, Switzerland's Foreign Minister [Didier Burkhalter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didier_Burkhalter "Didier Burkhalter"), declared the referendum as unconstitutional and therefore the OSCE would not send observers.<sup id="cite_ref-fpNoOsce_97-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-fpNoOsce-97"><span>[</span>93<span>]</span></a></sup> OSCE military observers attempted to enter the region four times but were turned away, sometimes after warning shots were fired,<sup id="cite_ref-98"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-98"><span>[</span>94<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-99"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-99"><span>[</span>95<span>]</span></a></sup> which was another reason given<sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Words_to_watch#Unsupported_attributions" title="Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Words to watch"><span title="The material near this tag may use weasel words or too-vague attribution. (March 2023)">by whom?</span></a></i>]</sup> for not dispatching referendum observers.<sup id="cite_ref-Štefaniková_100-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-%C5%A0tefanikov%C3%A1-100"><span>[</span>96<span>]</span></a></sup>

OSCE also published a report about their observations which "produced significant evidence of equipment consistent with the presence of Russian Federation military personnel in the vicinity of the various roadblocks encountered".<sup id="cite_ref-101"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-101"><span>[</span>97<span>]</span></a></sup>

The [UN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UN "UN") [Human Rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights "Human Rights") Envoy [Ivan Šimonović](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_%C5%A0imonovi%C4%87 "Ivan Šimonović") had to cancel his trip to Crimea as the current situation did not permit his travel. He intended to observe the human rights situation which was Russia's explanation for its engagement in Crimea.<sup id="cite_ref-102"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-102"><span>[</span>98<span>]</span></a></sup> Reports from the UN criticised the circumstances surrounding the referendum, especially the presence of [paramilitaries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramilitary "Paramilitary"), [self-defence groups](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia "Militia") and [unidentifiable soldiers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_green_men_(Russo-Ukrainian_War) "Little green men (Russo-Ukrainian War)").<sup id="cite_ref-103"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-103"><span>[</span>99<span>]</span></a></sup>

Russian-controlled media and referendum organizers said that from nearly 70<sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (December 2020)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> to 135<sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (December 2020)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> international observers monitored the referendum without reporting any violations,<sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (December 2020)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> but the objectivity of these has been questioned, because many of them had ties to [far-right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-right "Far-right") extremist groups.<sup id="cite_ref-hpFlawed_104-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-hpFlawed-104"><span>[</span>100<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-djBiased_105-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-djBiased-105"><span>[</span>101<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-fistejn_106-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-fistejn-106"><span>[</span>102<span>]</span></a></sup>

According to [Yale University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_University "Yale University") historian [Timothy Snyder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Snyder "Timothy Snyder"), the Russian government invited individuals belonging to European far-right, anti-semitic and neo-Nazi parties to serve as observers.<sup id="cite_ref-NR_107-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-NR-107"><span>[</span>103<span>]</span></a></sup> At least some of the international observers were managed and financed by the [Eurasian Observatory for Democracy & Elections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Observatory_for_Democracy_%26_Elections "Eurasian Observatory for Democracy & Elections") (EODE),<sup id="cite_ref-Štefaniková_100-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-%C5%A0tefanikov%C3%A1-100"><span>[</span>96<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-108"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-108"><span>[</span>104<span>]</span></a></sup> a far-right, [NGO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-governmental_organization "Non-governmental organization") international election-monitoring organization.<sup id="cite_ref-FA_109-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-FA-109"><span>[</span>105<span>]</span></a></sup>

Shaun Walker from _[The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian "The Guardian")_ reported that during a press conference on the eve of the referendum, some of the aforementioned observers "went on political rants against [U.S. hegemony in the world](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_imperialism "American imperialism")", describing the press conference as "rather bizarre".<sup id="cite_ref-111"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-111"><span>[</span>e<span>]</span></a></sup>

Exit-polls were allowed only for the Republican Institute of Sociological Research since, according to Russia-24, no other organizations have applied for accreditation for exit polls.<sup id="cite_ref-112"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-112"><span>[</span>107<span>]</span></a></sup>

### Allegations of fraud

\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Allegations of fraud")\]

A Russian journalist claimed that she was [allowed to vote](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_of_foreigners_to_vote "Right of foreigners to vote") even after admitting she was a Russian citizen with only a temporary one-year permit to live in Crimea.<sup id="cite_ref-fast_113-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-fast-113"><span>[</span>108<span>]</span></a></sup> "According to all the laws, this is illegal," she said in one interview. "I am a foreign citizen. How can I decide the destiny of the Crimean Autonomous Republic of Ukraine?"<sup id="cite_ref-fast_113-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-fast-113"><span>[</span>108<span>]</span></a></sup>

The chairman of the electoral campaign of the [Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mejlis_of_the_Crimean_Tatar_People "Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People") claimed officials did not check carefully whether voters' names were on the electoral register and that some voters were bussed in to [Bakhchysarai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakhchysarai "Bakhchysarai") to increase participation rates in the city.<sup id="cite_ref-114"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-114"><span>[</span>109<span>]</span></a></sup> Mejlis also stated that only 34.2% of Crimea residents participated in the referendum.<sup id="cite_ref-115"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-115"><span>[</span>110<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-116"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-116"><span>[</span>111<span>]</span></a></sup>

There were a few reports of people confiscating identification documents before the voting day. Simferopol city administration confirmed these claims and declared these actions unlawful.<sup id="cite_ref-117"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-117"><span>[</span>112<span>]</span></a></sup>

A senior US official claimed there was "concrete evidence" of some ballots having been pre-marked.<sup id="cite_ref-118"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-118"><span>[</span>113<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-119"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-119"><span>[</span>114<span>]</span></a></sup>

According to three Czech observers funded by the pro-Russian [far-right](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-right "Far-right")<sup id="cite_ref-FA_109-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-FA-109"><span>[</span>105<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-NR2_120-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-NR2-120"><span>[</span>115<span>]</span></a></sup> [non-governmental organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-governmental_organization "Non-governmental organization") [Eurasian Observatory for Democracy & Elections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Observatory_for_Democracy_%26_Elections "Eurasian Observatory for Democracy & Elections"),<sup id="cite_ref-CtEode_121-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-CtEode-121"><span>[</span>116<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Štefaniková_100-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-%C5%A0tefanikov%C3%A1-100"><span>[</span>96<span>]</span></a></sup> [deputy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_of_Deputies_of_the_Parliament_of_the_Czech_Republic "Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic") Stanislav Berkovec reported that the voting was free and the foreign deputies could move freely. According to his discussions with people, even the Tatars inclined towards Russia.<sup id="cite_ref-122"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-122"><span>[</span>117<span>]</span></a></sup> Another deputy Milan Šarapatka reported that the referendum was formally regular and that there was no evidence of pressure on voters.<sup id="cite_ref-Sarapatka_123-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Sarapatka-123"><span>[</span>118<span>]</span></a></sup> According to Miloslav Soušek (the [Vysoké Mýto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vysok%C3%A9_M%C3%BDto "Vysoké Mýto") mayor), the course of the referendum was comparable to the elections in the Czech Republic; he claimed he saw no soldiers in the town.<sup id="cite_ref-CtEode_121-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-CtEode-121"><span>[</span>116<span>]</span></a></sup>

According to the [Central Election Commission of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Election_Commission_of_Ukraine "Central Election Commission of Ukraine") on February 28, 2014 there were 1,534,815 registered voters in the autonomous republic of Crimea and 309,774 in the city of Sevastopol, which totals to 1,844,589 voters in the two Ukrainian regions.<sup id="cite_ref-124"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-124"><span>[</span>119<span>]</span></a></sup>

According to organizers of the referendum, 1,274,096 people voted in the [Autonomous Republic of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea "Autonomous Republic of Crimea"), giving the plebiscite an 83.1% turnout in that region.<sup id="cite_ref-twp-2014-votes_8-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-twp-2014-votes-8"><span>[</span>a<span>]</span></a></sup>

<table><caption>Final results from the Autonomous Republic of Crimea<sup id="cite_ref-twp-2014-votes_8-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-twp-2014-votes-8"><span>[</span>a<span>]</span></a></sup><br><sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (November 2020)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> <small><i>(Values in italics are calculated by an editor rather than provided by official sources.)</i></small></caption><tbody><tr><th>Choice</th><th>Votes</th><th>Percentage of registered voters</th><th>Percentage of all ballots cast</th><th>Percentage of valid votes</th></tr><tr><td><span typeof="mw:File"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png" decoding="async" width="14" height="14" srcset="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/40px-Yes_check.svg.png 1.5x" data-file-width="600" data-file-height="600"></a></span> <b>Join the Russian Federation as federal subject of Russia?</b></td><td><b>1,233,002</b></td><td><i><b>80.42%</b></i></td><td><b>96.77%</b></td><td><i><b>97.47%</b></i></td></tr><tr><td><span typeof="mw:File"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1x1.png"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/1x1.png" decoding="async" width="14" height="14" data-file-width="1" data-file-height="1"></a></span> Restore the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea" title="Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea">1992 Crimea constitution</a> and become a part of Ukraine?</td><td>31,997</td><td><i>2.09%</i></td><td>2.51%</td><td><i>2.53%</i></td></tr><tr><td><small><b>Subtotal of valid votes</b></small></td><td><small><i><b>1,264,999</b></i></small></td><td><small><i><b>82.51%</b></i></small></td><td><small><i><b>99.28%</b></i></small></td><td><small><b>100.00%</b></small></td></tr><tr><td><span typeof="mw:File"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1x1.png"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/1x1.png" decoding="async" width="14" height="14" data-file-width="1" data-file-height="1"></a></span> <small>Invalid or blank votes</small></td><td><small>9,097</small></td><td><small><i>0.59%</i></small></td><td><small>0.72%</small></td><td><small>—</small></td></tr><tr><td><small>Total votes cast</small></td><td><small>1,274,096</small></td><td><small>83.1%</small></td><td><small>100.00%</small></td><td><small>—</small></td></tr><tr><td><small>Registered voters that did not participate</small></td><td><small><i>≈&nbsp;259,112</i></small></td><td><small><i>16.9%</i></small></td><td><small>—</small></td><td><small>—</small></td></tr><tr><td><small>Total registered voters</small></td><td><small><sup id="cite_ref-126"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-126"><span>[</span>f<span>]</span></a></sup><i>&nbsp;≈&nbsp;1,533,208</i></small></td><td><small>100.00%</small></td><td><small>—</small></td><td><small>—</small></td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>Final results from Sevastopol<sup id="cite_ref-sevsovet_127-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-sevsovet-127"><span>[</span>121<span>]</span></a></sup><br><small><i>(Values in italics are calculated by an editor rather than provided by official sources.)</i></small></caption><tbody><tr><th>Choice</th><th>Votes</th><th>Percentage of registered voters</th><th>Percentage of all ballots cast</th><th>Percentage of valid votes</th></tr><tr><td><span typeof="mw:File"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yes_check.svg"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/20px-Yes_check.svg.png" decoding="async" width="14" height="14" srcset="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Yes_check.svg/40px-Yes_check.svg.png 1.5x" data-file-width="600" data-file-height="600"></a></span> <b>Join the Russian Federation as Federal subject of Russia?</b></td><td><b>262,041</b></td><td><i><b>85.56%</b></i></td><td><b>95.6%</b></td><td><i><b>96.59%</b></i></td></tr><tr><td><span typeof="mw:File"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1x1.png"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/1x1.png" decoding="async" width="14" height="14" data-file-width="1" data-file-height="1"></a></span> Restore the 1992 Crimea constitution and become a part of Ukraine?</td><td>9,250</td><td><i>3.02%</i></td><td><i>3.37%</i></td><td><i>3.41%</i></td></tr><tr><td><small><b>Subtotal of valid votes</b></small></td><td><small><i><b>271,291</b></i></small></td><td><small><i><b>88.58%</b></i></small></td><td><small><i><b>98.97%</b></i></small></td><td><small><b>100.00%</b></small></td></tr><tr><td><span typeof="mw:File"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1x1.png"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/1x1.png" decoding="async" width="14" height="14" data-file-width="1" data-file-height="1"></a></span> <small>Invalid or blank votes</small></td><td><small>2,810</small></td><td><small><i>0.92%</i></small></td><td><small><i>1.03%</i></small></td><td><small>—</small></td></tr><tr><td><small>Total votes cast</small></td><td><small>274,101</small></td><td><small><i>89.50%</i></small></td><td><small>100.00%</small></td><td><small>—</small></td></tr><tr><td><small>Registered voters that did not participate</small></td><td><small><i>32,157</i></small></td><td><small><i>10.50%</i></small></td><td><small>—</small></td><td><small>—</small></td></tr><tr><td><small>Total registered voters</small></td><td><small><sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Accuracy_dispute#Disputed_statement" title="Wikipedia:Accuracy dispute"><span title="The material near this tag is possibly inaccurate or nonfactual. (March 2014)">dubious</span></a> – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:2014_Crimean_status_referendum#Proof_that_vote_counts_have_been_reverse_calculated" title="Talk:2014 Crimean status referendum">discuss</a></i>]</sup>306,258</small></td><td><small>100.00%</small></td><td><small>—</small></td><td><small>—</small></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Alternative estimates of results

\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&action=edit&section=16 "Edit section: Alternative estimates of results")\]

In the evening of 16 March 2014, Mikhail Malyshev, the Crimean election Spokesman, reported that as of 20:00, 1,250,427 people or 81.36% voted in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and 274,136 or 89.50% voted in Sevastopol for a total of 1,524,563 or 82.71% of the electorate.<sup id="cite_ref-128"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-128"><span>[</span>122<span>]</span></a></sup> [ITAR-TASS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITAR-TASS "ITAR-TASS") initially reported this as 1,724,563 voters in total,<sup id="cite_ref-129"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-129"><span>[</span>123<span>]</span></a></sup> but corrected it later.<sup id="cite_ref-130"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-130"><span>[</span>124<span>]</span></a></sup> The discrepancy led to some reports of a 123% turnout in Sevastopol.<sup id="cite_ref-131"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-131"><span>[</span>125<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-132"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-132"><span>[</span>126<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-133"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-133"><span>[</span>127<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-134"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-134"><span>[</span>128<span>]</span></a></sup>

[Mustafa Dzhemilev](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Dzhemilev "Mustafa Dzhemilev"), a recent Chairman of the [Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mejlis_of_the_Crimean_Tatar_People "Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People"), reports that according to his sources the actual turnout was only 32.4%.<sup id="cite_ref-135"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-135"><span>[</span>129<span>]</span></a></sup> Mejlis Deputy Chairman Akhtem Chiygoz argued that voter turnout in the referendum among Crimeans did not exceed 30–40 percent.<sup id="cite_ref-uiChubarov30-40_136-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-uiChubarov30-40-136"><span>[</span>130<span>]</span></a></sup>

[Andrey Illarionov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrey_Illarionov "Andrey Illarionov"), a senior fellow at the [Cato Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cato_Institute "Cato Institute") and a former Russian government adviser, cited results of previous polls over past three years showing the Crimean support for joining Russia between 23 and 41 percent to conclude that the actual support for the reunification of Crimea with Russia was about 34 percent and that at least two thirds of Crimea did not vote for it. He called the referendum a "grossly rigged falsification" and the outcome "cynically distorted".<sup id="cite_ref-guardianlv.com_137-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-guardianlv.com-137"><span>[</span>131<span>]</span></a></sup>

### Post-referendum polls

\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&action=edit&section=17 "Edit section: Post-referendum polls")\]

The results of a survey by the U.S. government [Broadcasting Board of Governors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcasting_Board_of_Governors "Broadcasting Board of Governors") agency, conducted April 21–29, 2014, showed that 83% of Crimeans felt that the results of the March 16 referendum on Crimea's status likely reflected the views of most people there, whereas this view is shared only by 30% in the rest of Ukraine.<sup id="cite_ref-138"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-138"><span>[</span>132<span>]</span></a></sup>

[Gallup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup,_Inc. "Gallup, Inc.") conducted an immediate post-referendum survey of Ukraine and Crimea and published their results in April 2014. Gallup reported that, among the population of Crimea, 93.6% of ethnic Russians and 68.4% of ethnic Ukrainians believed the referendum result accurately represents the will of the Crimean people. Only 1.7% of ethnic Russians and 14.5% of ethnic Ukrainians living in Crimea thought that the referendum results didn't accurately reflect the views of the Crimean people.<sup id="cite_ref-139"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-139"><span>[</span>133<span>]</span></a></sup> According to Gallup's survey performed on April 21–27, 82.8% of Crimean people consider the referendum results reflecting most Crimeans' views,<sup id="cite_ref-Gallup_140-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Gallup-140"><span>[</span>134<span>]</span></a></sup> and 73.9% of Crimeans say Crimea's becoming part of Russia will make life better for themselves and their families, while 5.5% disagree.<sup id="cite_ref-Gallup_140-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Gallup-140"><span>[</span>134<span>]</span></a></sup>

In May 2014, Washington, D.C., pollster Pew Research published results of a survey that encompassed Crimea, Ukraine, and Russia, in which it was reported that 88% of Crimeans believed the government of Kyiv should officially recognize the result of Crimea's referendum.<sup id="cite_ref-141"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-141"><span>[</span>135<span>]</span></a></sup> According to survey carried out by [Pew Research Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pew_Research_Center "Pew Research Center") in April 2014, the majority of Crimean residents say they believed the referendum was free and fair (91%) and that the government in Kyiv ought to recognize the results of the vote (88%).<sup id="cite_ref-142"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-142"><span>[</span>136<span>]</span></a></sup>

Between December 12 and 25, 2014, [Levada-Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levada_Center "Levada Center") carried out a survey of Crimea that was commissioned by John O'Loughlin, College Professor of Distinction and Professor of Geography at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and Gerard Toal (Gearóid Ó Tuathail), Professor of Government and International Affairs at Virginia Tech's National Capital Region campus. The results of that survey were published by Open Democracy in March, 2015, and reported that, overall, 84% of Crimeans felt the choice to secede from Ukraine and accede to Russia was "Absolutely the right decision", with the next-largest segment of respondents saying the decision to return to Russia was the "Generally right decision". The survey commissioners, John O'Loughlin and Gerard Toal, wrote in their Open Democracy article that, while they felt that the referendum was "an illegal act under international law", their survey shows "It is also an act that enjoys the widespread support of the peninsula's inhabitants, with the important exception of its Crimean Tatar population" with "widespread support for Crimea's decision to secede from Ukraine and join the Russian Federation one year ago". Their survey also reported that a majority of Crimean Tatars viewed Crimea's return to Russia as either the "Absolutely right decision" or the "Generally right decision".<sup id="cite_ref-143"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-143"><span>[</span>137<span>]</span></a></sup>

From January 16 – 22, 2015, Germany's GfK Group, with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, followed-up their pre-referendum survey of Crimeans' voting intention with a post-referendum survey about how satisfied Crimeans are with the outcome of their referendum. GfK's post-referendum survey found that 82% of Crimeans "Fully endorse" Crimea's referendum and return to Russia, while another 11% "Mostly endorse" it.<sup id="cite_ref-144"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-144"><span>[</span>138<span>]</span></a></sup> According to a poll of the Crimeans by the Ukrainian branch of Germany's biggest market research organization, [GfK](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GfK "GfK"), on January 16–22, 2015: "Eighty-two percent of those polled said they fully supported Crimea's inclusion in Russia, and another 11 percent expressed partial support. Only 4 percent spoke out against it. ... Fifty-one percent reported their well-being had improved in the past year."<sup id="cite_ref-poll_145-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-poll-145"><span>[</span>139<span>]</span></a></sup> Bloomberg's Leonid Bershidsky noted that "The calls were made on Jan. 16–22 to people living in towns with a population of 20,000 or more, which probably led to the peninsula's native population, the Tatars, being underrepresented because many of them live in small villages. On the other hand, no calls were placed in Sevastopol, the most pro-Russian city in Crimea. Even with these limitations, it was the most representative independent poll taken on the peninsula since its annexation."<sup id="cite_ref-poll_145-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-poll-145"><span>[</span>139<span>]</span></a></sup>

From February 9 – 18, 2015, Russian public opinion research centre, [VTsIOM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Public_Opinion_Research_Center "Russian Public Opinion Research Center"), carried out a door-to-door survey of 1,600 Crimean respondents. The VTsIOM survey asked how people would vote if the same referendum on Crimea's identity that was held in March 2014 were held again at the present time (February 2015). VTsIOM reported that 97% of ethnic Russians, 91% of ethnic Ukrainians, 49% of ethnic Tatars, and 92% of all other ethnic groups would vote for Crimea to join Russia, while 1% of ethnic Russians, 4% of ethnic Ukrainians, 26% of ethnic Tatars, and 2% of all other ethnic groups would vote to remain an autonomous region of Ukraine.<sup id="cite_ref-146"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-146"><span>[</span>140<span>]</span></a></sup>

In November 2017, German pollster ZOiS published the results of a survey which reported that 85.3% of Crimeans excluding Tatars, and 61.8% of Crimean Tatars excluding other Crimean demographics thought that Crimeans would either vote the same or that the majority would vote the same as they did in 2014 if the same referendum were held at the present time (November 2017). 3.8% of Crimeans excluding Tatars, and 16.2% of Crimean Tatars responded that most Crimeans would vote differently if the same referendum were held again at that time in 2017. The ZOiS survey also reported that, among the Crimean population apart from Tatars, when asked what was the reason Crimea became a part of Russia in 2014, 32.9% of respondents said that Crimea became a part of Russia as a result of Kyiv's neglect of the region over many years, 25% of respondents said it happened because of the mobilization of the Crimean population, 24% respondents said it happened as a result of the Euromaidan, and 17.4% said it happened as a result of Russia's action. When the same question was asked of Crimean Tatars, excluding all other demographics in Crimea, 36.3% of respondents said that Crimea became a part of Russia as a result of the Euromaidan, 32.9% said it happened as a result of Kyiv's neglect of the region over many years, 24% of respondents said it happened as a result of Russia's action, and 7.8% said it happened because of the mobilization of the Crimean population.<sup id="cite_ref-147"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-147"><span>[</span>141<span>]</span></a></sup>

In March 2019, Russian public opinion research centre, [VTsIOM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Public_Opinion_Research_Center "Russian Public Opinion Research Center"), published the results of a new survey of Crimea in which 89% of respondents said they would vote to "reunify" with Russia if a referendum on the matter were held next week. The same survey reported 93% of Crimeans viewed Crimea's "reunification" with Russia in a positive light, while 3% viewed it in a negative light. 86% of respondents said they believed that Crimea is developing more successfully as under Russian control, while 72% said that the "reunification" had a positive effect on their lives and that of their families. 59% of respondents said they had "noticed positive changes on the peninsula in the last year".<sup id="cite_ref-148"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-148"><span>[</span>142<span>]</span></a></sup>

In December 2019, [Levada-Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levada_Center "Levada Center") was again commissioned by John O'Loughlin, College Professor of Distinction and Professor of Geography at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and Gerard Toal (Gearóid Ó Tuathail), Professor of Government and International Affairs at Virginia Tech's National Capital Region campus, to carry-out a survey of Crimea's attitudes towards their referendum and living as a part of Russia. The survey aimed to repeat the questions of their 2014 survey. The 2019 survey found that 82% of Crimea's population supported Crimea's accession to Russia, as opposed to 86% in 2014. The survey also found that 58% of Crimean Tatars now supported Crimea's accession to Russia, as opposed to 39% in 2014.<sup id="cite_ref-149"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-149"><span>[</span>143<span>]</span></a></sup>

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Recognition_of_Crimean_Referendum.svg/330px-Recognition_of_Crimean_Referendum.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Recognition_of_Crimean_Referendum.svg)

  Countries recognizing results of the Crimean referendum

  Crimea

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%A7%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2_-_%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%92%D0%A0_%D0%90%D0%A0%D0%9A_%D0%BF%D0%BE_%D0%BA%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BC_%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC_-_%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB.webm "Play video")Duration: 6 minutes and 0 seconds.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%A7%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2_-_%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%92%D0%A0_%D0%90%D0%A0%D0%9A_%D0%BF%D0%BE_%D0%BA%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BC_%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC_-_%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB.webm)

Refat Chubarov, leader of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, commented on the decision of Supreme Council of Crimea. (in Russian)

Most countries, particularly Western ones, declared the referendum invalid and a breach of Ukrainian sovereignty.<sup id="cite_ref-Svyatets_150-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Svyatets-150"><span>[</span>144<span>]</span></a></sup>

-   The [Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mejlis_of_the_Crimean_Tatar_People "Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People") has announced that "Crimean Tatars will not take part in the referendum and deem it illegitimate."<sup id="cite_ref-151"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-151"><span>[</span>145<span>]</span></a></sup> Mejlis Chairman [Refat Chubarov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refat_Chubarov "Refat Chubarov") argued that voter turnout in the referendum among Crimeans could only be a maximum of 30–40 percent and that only 1 percent of the Tatar people participated.<sup id="cite_ref-uiChubarov30-40_136-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-uiChubarov30-40-136"><span>[</span>130<span>]</span></a></sup><sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability" title="Wikipedia:Verifiability"><span title="The material near this tag failed verification of its source citation(s). (April 2014)">failed verification</span></a></i>]</sup>
-   The [Ukrainian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine "Ukraine") government has announced it will not recognise the referendum. Acting president [Oleksandr Turchynov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleksandr_Turchynov "Oleksandr Turchynov") stated: "It is not a referendum, it is a farce, a fake and a crime against the state which is organised by the Russian Federation's military."<sup id="cite_ref-globeno_152-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-globeno-152"><span>[</span>146<span>]</span></a></sup> Former [prime minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Ukraine "Prime Minister of Ukraine") [Yulia Tymoshenko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulia_Tymoshenko "Yulia Tymoshenko") alleged Russian coercion in allowing the referendum and that the [international community](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_community "International community") should not allow it to happen.<sup id="cite_ref-153"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-153"><span>[</span>147<span>]</span></a></sup>

### Supranational bodies

\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&action=edit&section=20 "Edit section: Supranational bodies")\]

-   [European Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union "European Union") – All 28 member states of the European Union believe the separation of the Crimea from Ukraine to be unacceptable under international law.<sup id="cite_ref-154"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-154"><span>[</span>148<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   The [European Parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Parliament "European Parliament") rejected the referendum on independence in Crimea, which they saw as manipulated and contrary to international and Ukrainian law.<sup id="cite_ref-155"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-155"><span>[</span>149<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   [G7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_of_Seven "Group of Seven") world leaders said that they would not recognize the results of a referendum for Ukraine's Crimea region. The leaders called on Russia to "immediately" halt actions supporting the referendum on Crimea regarding its status.<sup id="cite_ref-156"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-156"><span>[</span>150<span>]</span></a></sup>

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/2014_UN_Security_Council_vote_to_condemn_Crimean_referendum.png/330px-2014_UN_Security_Council_vote_to_condemn_Crimean_referendum.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2014_UN_Security_Council_vote_to_condemn_Crimean_referendum.png)

[UN Security Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UN_Security_Council "UN Security Council") vote on a draft resolution condemning the 2014 Crimean referendum.

___

  Voted in favor of resolution

  Abstained

  Vetoed resolution

-   UN On March 15, the [United Nations Security Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council "United Nations Security Council") voted 13–1 (with one abstention: [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China "China")) to condemn the referendum, but Russia [vetoed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_veto_power "United Nations Security Council veto power") the draft resolution.<sup id="cite_ref-UNSC_157-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-UNSC-157"><span>[</span>151<span>]</span></a></sup> On April 16, [Assistant Secretary-General](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under-Secretary-General_of_the_United_Nations#Other_Senior_UN_Positions "Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations") for [Human Rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights "Human rights") [Ivan Šimonović](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_%C5%A0imonovi%C4%87 "Ivan Šimonović") has briefed the Security Council on the situation in Ukraine, and turning to his March 21 to 22 visit to Crimea he said "Media manipulation significantly contributed to a climate of fear and insecurity in the period preceding the referendum, and the presence of paramilitary and so-called self-defence groups, as well as soldiers in uniform but without insignia, was not conducive to an environment in which voters could freely exercise their right to hold opinions and the right to freedom of expression".<sup id="cite_ref-UNSC_2_158-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-UNSC_2-158"><span>[</span>152<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   UN The [United Nations General Assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly "United Nations General Assembly") approved a [resolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_68/262 "United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262") describing the Crimean referendum as illegal. One hundred countries voted in favour of approving a UN General Assembly resolution declaring the Crimean referendum illegal and affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity. Eleven nations voted against, with fifty-eight abstentions.<sup id="cite_ref-UNGA_18-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-UNGA-18"><span>[</span>17<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   The [Monitoring Committee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congress_of_the_Council_of_Europe#Monitoring_Committee "Congress of the Council of Europe"), in its report that was the basis for [PACE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_Assembly_of_the_Council_of_Europe "Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe") resolution No. 1988 (2014) of April 9, 2014,<sup id="cite_ref-Doc_13482_159-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Doc_13482-159"><span>[</span>153<span>]</span></a></sup> questioned the official outcome of the referendum. Russians accounted for only 54% of the population and around 36% were Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians, who had announced a boycott of the referendum. The authors of the report argued that the combination of an 82% turnout and a 96% vote in favor of annexation was therefore implausible.
-   [NATO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO "NATO") – Secretary-General [Anders Fogh Rasmussen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anders_Fogh_Rasmussen "Anders Fogh Rasmussen") said on March 14, "a planned referendum in Ukraine's Crimea region would violate international law and lack legitimacy".<sup id="cite_ref-160"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-160"><span>[</span>154<span>]</span></a></sup> On April 12, NATO published a fact sheet claims that "the referendum was illegal according to the [Ukrainian constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Ukraine "Constitution of Ukraine"), which states that questions of altering the territory of Ukraine are resolved exclusively by an All-Ukrainian referendum and was organized in a matter of weeks by a self-proclaimed Crimean leadership that was installed by armed Russian military personnel after seizing government buildings".<sup id="cite_ref-161"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-161"><span>[</span>155<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   [Venice Commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice_Commission "Venice Commission") – Experts of the Council of Europe for constitutional law have said that the referendum in Crimea on the peninsula's joining Russia which the Crimean authorities plan to hold on March 16 is illegal and it is not in line with the Constitution of Ukraine. The Council of Europe's so-called Venice Commission which is made up of independent constitutional experts said Crimea's vote to secede was undemocratic and violated Ukraine's constitution.<sup id="cite_ref-162"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-162"><span>[</span>156<span>]</span></a></sup> Crimea's referendum to join Russia was "illegal", an advisory body of the pro-democracy Council of Europe said on March 21, as East-West tensions mounted over Moscow's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula.<sup id="cite_ref-venice01_163-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-venice01-163"><span>[</span>157<span>]</span></a></sup> The Venice Commission has emphasized that the [right to self-determination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination "Self-determination") should be understood primarily as an internal self-determination within the existing borders, and not as an external self-determination through secession. In addition, any referendum on the status of the territory requires serious preliminary negotiations with all interested parties, and there were not such negotiations.<sup id="cite_ref-venice01_163-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-venice01-163"><span>[</span>157<span>]</span></a></sup>

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/UN_Resolution_regarding_the_territorial_integrity_of_Ukraine.svg/330px-UN_Resolution_regarding_the_territorial_integrity_of_Ukraine.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UN_Resolution_regarding_the_territorial_integrity_of_Ukraine.svg)

Results of the United Nations General Assembly vote about the territorial integrity of Ukraine.  
  In favor   Against   Abstentions   Absent   Non-members

-   Afghanistan – The office of President [Hamid Karzai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamid_Karzai "Hamid Karzai") said that Afghanistan respected "decision the people of Crimea took through a recent referendum that considers Crimea as part of the Russian Federation". Some sources stated that Afghanistan's government's break with its allies may have been due to Afghanistan's own [irredentist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irredentism "Irredentism") aspirations to similarly regain Pashtun-inhabited parts of [Pakistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan "Pakistan").<sup id="cite_ref-164"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-164"><span>[</span>158<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Albania – The [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Foreign_Affairs_(Albania) "Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Albania)") described the referendum as illegal in a statement and strongly objected to the idea that the [declaration of independence of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Independence_of_Crimea_and_Sevastopol "Declaration of Independence of Crimea and Sevastopol") should be treated in the same manner as the [declaration of independence of Kosovo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_independence_of_Kosovo "Declaration of independence of Kosovo").<sup id="cite_ref-165"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-165"><span>[</span>159<span>]</span></a></sup> After the referendum, the Ministry reiterated its stance, saying the referendum set a dangerous precedent.<sup id="cite_ref-166"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-166"><span>[</span>160<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Argentina – The [president of Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Argentina "President of Argentina") [Cristina Fernández de Kirchner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristina_Fern%C3%A1ndez_de_Kirchner "Cristina Fernández de Kirchner"), whose nation currently is [a non-permanent member](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNSC_elections "UNSC elections") of the United Nations Security Council, criticized the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States"), the [European Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union "European Union") and the [United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom "United Kingdom") pointing out the hypocrisy that stems from them trying to act as the "world's police force". Kirchner further stated the double standards of the aforementioned bodies by stating that "My country is suffering an encroachment in the [Malvinas Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvinas_Islands "Malvinas Islands") by the United Kingdom, and the major powers have spoken in favor of the referendum that 'kelpers' had: that is double standard. Can agree with the regional integrity in Crimea but not Argentina's", in reference to the [Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falkland_Islands_sovereignty_dispute "Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute") and its recent [referendum in 2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Falkland_Islands_sovereignty_referendum "2013 Falkland Islands sovereignty referendum").<sup id="cite_ref-167"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-167"><span>[</span>161<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Armenia – Foreign Minister [Eduard Nalbandyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eduard_Nalbandyan "Eduard Nalbandyan") said on March 17 that Armenia is "for the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis through dialogue, in peaceful and negotiated manner based on the UN Charter, international law."<sup id="cite_ref-168"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-168"><span>[</span>162<span>]</span></a></sup> During a phone conversation with Putin on March 19 President [Serzh Sargsyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serzh_Sargsyan "Serzh Sargsyan") said the referendum in Crimea was an exercise of peoples' right to self-determination via free expression of will. Both leaders highlighted the importance of a commitment to the norms and principles of international law.<sup id="cite_ref-169"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-169"><span>[</span>163<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-170"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-170"><span>[</span>164<span>]</span></a></sup> _[Asbarez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbarez "Asbarez")_ commented that Sargsyan "apparently recognized Crimea's referendum to secede from Ukraine and join Russia."<sup id="cite_ref-171"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-171"><span>[</span>165<span>]</span></a></sup> In response, on March 20, [Oleh Tyahnybok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleh_Tyahnybok "Oleh Tyahnybok"), the leader of the Ukrainian far-right [Svoboda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svoboda_(political_party) "Svoboda (political party)"), urged to recall the Ukrainian ambassador to Armenia.<sup id="cite_ref-172"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-172"><span>[</span>166<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Australia – Foreign Minister [Julie Bishop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Bishop "Julie Bishop") has rejected the legitimacy of the referendum, given the brief time frame, the disregard of the Ukrainian constitution and the presence of Russian troops on the peninsula. Australia also imposes sanctions on Russia.<sup id="cite_ref-173"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-173"><span>[</span>167<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Belarus – The position of President [Alexander Lukashenko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Lukashenko "Alexander Lukashenko") is vague: it includes "Ukraine should remain an integral, indivisible, non-aligned state" and "As for Crimea, I do not like it when the integrity and independence of a country are broken", on the one hand, and "Today Crimea is part of the Russian Federation. No matter whether you recognize it or not, the fact remains." and "Whether Crimea will be recognized as a region of the Russian Federation _de jure_ does not really matter", on the other hand.<sup id="cite_ref-174"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-174"><span>[</span>168<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Canada – Prime Minister [Stephen Harper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Harper "Stephen Harper") said the Canadian government will not recognize the result and that the region was under "illegal military occupation."<sup id="cite_ref-globeno_152-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-globeno-152"><span>[</span>146<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   China – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said, "China always respects all countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Crimean issue should be resolved politically under a framework of law and order. All parties should exercise restraint and refrain from raising the tension."<sup id="cite_ref-175"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-175"><span>[</span>169<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-176"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-176"><span>[</span>170<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-177"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-177"><span>[</span>171<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Finland – The Foreign Ministry described the referendum as "against the Ukrainian constitution and, as such, illegal" and said it would "only aggravate the situation further".<sup id="cite_ref-178"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-178"><span>[</span>172<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   France – Foreign Minister [Laurent Fabius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurent_Fabius "Laurent Fabius") said that the referendum in Ukraine's Crimea region planned for March 16 is illegitimate and the annexation of Crimea by Russia would be illegal.<sup id="cite_ref-179"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-179"><span>[</span>173<span>]</span></a></sup> French President [François Hollande](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_Hollande "François Hollande") told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in a phone call that the referendum planned in Crimea "has no legal basis."<sup id="cite_ref-cnnind_180-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-cnnind-180"><span>[</span>174<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Georgia – On March 16, the Foreign Ministry released a statement saying it "does not recognize the referendum" as it occurred "amid pressure from Russian armed forces, in defiance of the universally recognized norms and principles of international law, with complete disregard for the Ukrainian national laws." It added, "Russia's attempt to annex Crimea represents a blatant violation of the commitments it has undertaken both under multilateral and bilateral agreements."<sup id="cite_ref-181"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-181"><span>[</span>175<span>]</span></a></sup> On March 17, President [Giorgi Margvelashvili](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giorgi_Margvelashvili "Giorgi Margvelashvili") called it an "illegal referendum" and expressed his "extreme concern". He said that "it is unimaginable to speak about free choice and free expression of people's will, where the situation is controlled by foreign, namely Russian, armed formations." He asserted that Georgia does not recognize the referendum and support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.<sup id="cite_ref-182"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-182"><span>[</span>176<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Germany – Chancellor [Angela Merkel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Merkel "Angela Merkel") called the referendum "illegal and incompatible with Ukraine's constitution."<sup id="cite_ref-globeno_152-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-globeno-152"><span>[</span>146<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Hungary – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarded "the changing of the legal status of Crimea as illegitimate and unlawful", emphasizing that it "remains committed to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."<sup id="cite_ref-183"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-183"><span>[</span>177<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Iceland – On March 14, the Foreign Minister [Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnar_Bragi_Sveinsson "Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson") released a statement saying "The forthcoming referendum Crimea is taking place under Russian occupation. It is not in accordance with international law and is only bound to increase tensions in the region. It goes without saying that the outcome of such a referendum cannot be validated".<sup id="cite_ref-184"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-184"><span>[</span>178<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   India – [India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India "India") stated "There are legitimate Russian and other interests involved and we hope they are discussed and resolved." Further India made it clear that it will not support any "unilateral measures" against Russian government. "India has never supported unilateral sanctions against any country. Therefore, we will also not support any unilateral measures by a country or a group of countries against Russia."<sup id="cite_ref-185"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-185"><span>[</span>179<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Indonesia – The [Minister of Foreign Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_of_Foreign_Affairs "Minister of Foreign Affairs") [Marty Natalegawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_Natalegawa "Marty Natalegawa") stated, as instructed by the President [Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susilo_Bambang_Yudhoyono "Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono"), stated that [Republic of Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Indonesia "Republic of Indonesia") does not recognize the Crimean referendum which is viewed as a violation of Ukrainian unity and sovereignty.<sup id="cite_ref-186"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-186"><span>[</span>180<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Japan – Foreign Minister [Fumio Kishida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fumio_Kishida "Fumio Kishida") announced a set of sanctions against Russia for its recognition of Crimea as an independent state. Japan does not recognize the outcome of Crimea's referendum to split from Ukraine, saying it violates the Ukrainian constitution, and the country's sanctions to Russia involve suspension of talks on relaxing visa requirements between the two countries as well as planned talks on investment, space and military.<sup id="cite_ref-187"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-187"><span>[</span>181<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-188"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-188"><span>[</span>182<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan views the referendum held in Crimea "as a free expression of will of the Autonomous Republic's population".<sup id="cite_ref-189"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-189"><span>[</span>183<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan views the interim Ukrainian government as legitimate and has stated concern over the crisis, and condemns any activities aimed at destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.<sup id="cite_ref-190"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-190"><span>[</span>184<span>]</span></a></sup> Nevertheless, the country recognized the referendum results as reflecting "the views of the region's absolute majority."<sup id="cite_ref-191"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-191"><span>[</span>185<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Lithuania – Lithuania supports and recognizes Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea. Foreign Minister [Linas Linkevičius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linas_Linkevi%C4%8Dius "Linas Linkevičius") has labeled the referendum as unhelpful in engendering a solution to the crisis.<sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (March 2014)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup>
-   Norway – On March 14, the Foreign Minister [Børge Brende](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B8rge_Brende "Børge Brende") released a statement saying "the referendum in Crimea, if it is held on Sunday as planned, is in violation of international law and lacks legitimacy".<sup id="cite_ref-192"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-192"><span>[</span>186<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Philippines – The [Department of Foreign Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_Foreign_Affairs_(Philippines) "Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines)") released a statement saying that the Philippines is concerned over developments in Crimea, and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint under [United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_3314 "United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314"). The DFA also urged for "comprehensive, inclusive and peaceful dialogue and reconciliation, with full respect for the rule of law".<sup id="cite_ref-193"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-193"><span>[</span>187<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Poland – The [Minister of Foreign Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_of_Foreign_Affairs_(Poland) "Minister of Foreign Affairs (Poland)") [Radosław Sikorski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rados%C5%82aw_Sikorski "Radosław Sikorski") told _[Corriere della Sera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corriere_della_Sera "Corriere della Sera")_ on March 16, 2014, that the Crimean referendum was a farce under the barrel of a gun, reminiscent of the 19th-century territorial acquisitions. Following a working visit of the Polish delegation in Kyiv, the MFA Press Office stated on April 1, that Poland have allocated nearly half a million [zlotys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_zloty "Polish zloty") toward expert assistance for the Ukrainian regional reforms.<sup id="cite_ref-194"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-194"><span>[</span>188<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Romania – President [Traian Băsescu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traian_B%C4%83sescu "Traian Băsescu") issued a statement declaring that: "Romania considers the referendum illegal, and will not recognize the results".<sup id="cite_ref-195"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-195"><span>[</span>189<span>]</span></a></sup> Foreign Minister [Titus Corlățean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titus_Corl%C4%83%C8%9Bean "Titus Corlățean") called it "illegal and illegitimate" and "a violation of the Ukrainian Constitution", adding that the "result will not be recognized by the democratic international community".<sup id="cite_ref-196"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-196"><span>[</span>190<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Russia – [Chairman of the Federation Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chairman_of_the_Federation_Council "Chairman of the Federation Council"), [Valentina Matviyenko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentina_Matviyenko "Valentina Matviyenko"), said that Russia will welcome Crimea to the Federation if the referendum passes.<sup id="cite_ref-BBC1_197-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-BBC1-197"><span>[</span>191<span>]</span></a></sup> President [Vladimir Putin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin "Vladimir Putin") has further solidified Russia's position on the matter, stating: "The steps taken by the legitimate leadership of Crimea are based on the norms of international law and aim to ensure the legal interests of the population of the peninsula."<sup id="cite_ref-PUTIN_198-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-PUTIN-198"><span>[</span>192<span>]</span></a></sup> During a phone call with once deported, former leader of the [Crimean Tatars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Tatars "Crimean Tatars") [Mustafa Dzhemilev](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Dzhemilev "Mustafa Dzhemilev") President Putin informed him that the rights of this indigenous people are important to him and that he ordered to prevent any violence against the [Crimean Tatars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Tatars "Crimean Tatars").<sup id="cite_ref-199"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-199"><span>[</span>193<span>]</span></a></sup> On March 17, President Putin [signed a decree](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decree_of_the_President_of_Russia "Decree of the President of Russia") recognizing Crimea as a sovereign state.<sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated3_14-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-autogenerated3-14"><span>[</span>13<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-200"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-200"><span>[</span>194<span>]</span></a></sup> The [State Duma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Duma "State Duma") issued a statement that was supported by 441 legislators, with one abstention and said: "Welcoming the expression of will by the Crimean people at the March 16 referendum on accession of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia, the State Duma proceeds from the standpoint that the government bodies operating on the territory of Crimea will be maintaining inter-faith accord and language diversity of the republic. The State Duma will contribute to ensuring the safety of all people staying in Crimea, regardless of their citizenship, nationality, language or religion, and to observing their legitimate rights and freedoms".<sup id="cite_ref-201"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-201"><span>[</span>195<span>]</span></a></sup> [Mayor of Moscow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayor_of_Moscow "Mayor of Moscow"), [Sergey Sobyanin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergey_Sobyanin "Sergey Sobyanin") congratulated residents of the Republic of Crimea. He recalled that Russians had always felt unity with Crimea and Sevastopol.<sup id="cite_ref-202"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-202"><span>[</span>196<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Serbia – Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to comment on Crimean referendum due to the [caretaker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caretaker_government "Caretaker government") status of the Government following the elections.<sup id="cite_ref-203"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-203"><span>[</span>197<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   South Korea – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "The sovereignty, territorial right and independence of Ukraine must necessarily be respected," adding that "Our government cannot recognize the (recent) referendum on Crimean people and Russia's (subsequent) annexation of Crimea."<sup id="cite_ref-204"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-204"><span>[</span>198<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Turkey – The [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Foreign_Affairs_(Turkey) "Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)") stated that, "The result of the unlawful and illegitimate 'referendum' held in [Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimea "Crimea") on Sunday, 16 March 2014, and the _de facto_ situation that will prevail following the steps that will be taken in conjunction with this referendum will not bear any legal validity for Turkey and will not recognize."<sup id="cite_ref-205"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-205"><span>[</span>199<span>]</span></a></sup> Also, Turkey supports and recognizes [Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine "Ukraine")'s territorial integrity, including Crimea.<sup id="cite_ref-206"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-206"><span>[</span>200<span>]</span></a></sup> Foreign Minister [Ahmet Davutoğlu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmet_Davuto%C4%9Flu "Ahmet Davutoğlu") has labeled the referendum as unhelpful in engendering a solution to the crisis.<sup id="cite_ref-207"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-207"><span>[</span>201<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   United Kingdom – Prime Minister [David Cameron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Cameron "David Cameron") has declared that any referendum vote in Crimea will be "illegal, illegitimate, and will not be recognized by the international community."<sup id="cite_ref-208"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-208"><span>[</span>202<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-209"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-209"><span>[</span>203<span>]</span></a></sup> Foreign Secretary [William Hague](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hague "William Hague") said that "I condemn the fact that this referendum has taken place. … The UK does not recognise the referendum or its outcome. … we believe measures must be adopted that send a strong signal to Russia that this challenge to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine will bring economic and political consequences."<sup id="cite_ref-210"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-210"><span>[</span>204<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   United States – The United States will not recognize the results of the referendum, and will continue to consider Crimea as part of Ukraine.<sup id="cite_ref-211"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-211"><span>[</span>205<span>]</span></a></sup> President [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama "Barack Obama") claimed that the referendum would violate Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.<sup id="cite_ref-globeno_152-3"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-globeno-152"><span>[</span>146<span>]</span></a></sup> UN ambassador [Samantha Power](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samantha_Power "Samantha Power") called it "illegitimate and without any legal effect".<sup id="cite_ref-Svyatets_150-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Svyatets-150"><span>[</span>144<span>]</span></a></sup> The United States issued limited sanctions on a number of Russian and Crimean officials.
-   Venezuela – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused both the US and the EU of "double standards" over Crimea and recalled the Kosovo and Falkland Islands referendums as evidence.<sup>[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (April 2014)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup>
-   Vietnam – The Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs [Lê Hải Bình](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=L%C3%AA_H%E1%BA%A3i_B%C3%ACnh&action=edit&redlink=1 "Lê Hải Bình (page does not exist)") said that "the measures need to respect basic principles of international laws and legitimate aspirations of people so that the situation will soon be stable for peace and stability in the region and the world."<sup id="cite_ref-212"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-212"><span>[</span>206<span>]</span></a></sup>

### States with limited recognition

\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&action=edit&section=22 "Edit section: States with limited recognition")\]

-   Abkhazia – President [Alexander Ankvab](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Ankvab "Alexander Ankvab") stated that he "respects the will of Crimeans, supports and recognizes their momentous choice" and that the referendum "reflects the will of multi-national people of the peninsula."<sup id="cite_ref-Sokhumi,_Tskhinvali_213-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Sokhumi,_Tskhinvali-213"><span>[</span>207<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Nagorno-Karabakh – Foreign Ministry of the NKR said in a statement on March 17 that the referendum is "yet another manifestation of realization of the right of people to self-determination."<sup id="cite_ref-214"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-214"><span>[</span>208<span>]</span></a></sup> On March 18, a concert was held in [Stepanakert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepanakert "Stepanakert") dedicated to the "self-determination of Crimea" and was attended, among others, by President [Bako Sahakyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bako_Sahakyan "Bako Sahakyan").<sup id="cite_ref-215"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-215"><span>[</span>209<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   South Ossetia – Foreign Ministry stated that they "respect the right of population of Crimea to determine independently its fate."<sup id="cite_ref-Sokhumi,_Tskhinvali_213-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Sokhumi,_Tskhinvali-213"><span>[</span>207<span>]</span></a></sup>
-   Transnistria – Irina Kubanskikh, a spokeswoman for the Transnistrian parliament, said that the region's public bodies had "appealed to the Russian Federation leadership to examine the possibility of extending to Trans-Dniester the legislation, currently under discussion in the State Duma, on granting Russian citizenship and admitting new subjects into Russia."<sup id="cite_ref-216"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-216"><span>[</span>210<span>]</span></a></sup>

### European political parties

\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&action=edit&section=23 "Edit section: European political parties")\]

[Gábor Vona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%A1bor_Vona "Gábor Vona"), leader of Hungary's [Jobbik](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jobbik "Jobbik") hailed the recent referendum in Crimea as "exemplary".<sup id="cite_ref-217"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-217"><span>[</span>211<span>]</span></a></sup> Members of Austria's populist right-wing [Freedom Party of Austria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Party_of_Austria "Freedom Party of Austria"),<sup id="cite_ref-218"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-218"><span>[</span>212<span>]</span></a></sup> the Flemish nationalist group [Vlaams Belang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlaams_Belang "Vlaams Belang") and France's [National Front](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Front_(France) "National Front (France)") pronounced the referendum free and fair.<sup id="cite_ref-219"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-219"><span>[</span>213<span>]</span></a></sup>

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Putin_with_Vladimir_Konstantinov%2C_Sergey_Aksyonov_and_Alexey_Chaly_4.jpeg/330px-Putin_with_Vladimir_Konstantinov%2C_Sergey_Aksyonov_and_Alexey_Chaly_4.jpeg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Putin_with_Vladimir_Konstantinov,_Sergey_Aksyonov_and_Alexey_Chaly_4.jpeg)

[Vladimir Putin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin "Vladimir Putin") (third, left), [Sergey Aksyonov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergey_Aksyonov "Sergey Aksyonov") (first, left), [Vladimir Konstantinov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Konstantinov_(politician) "Vladimir Konstantinov (politician)") (second, left) and [Aleksei Chalyi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksei_Chalyi "Aleksei Chalyi") (right) sign the [Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_on_Accession_of_the_Republic_of_Crimea_to_Russia "Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia")

The next day after the referendum, the parliament of Crimea asked the Russian Federation "to admit the Republic of Crimea as a new subject with the status of a republic".<sup id="cite_ref-220"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-220"><span>[</span>214<span>]</span></a></sup> Later on the same day, March 17, Putin issued a decree formally recognizing Crimea as an independent state.<sup id="cite_ref-221"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-221"><span>[</span>215<span>]</span></a></sup> On March 18, the Russian, Crimean, and Sevastopolian leadership signed the [Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_on_Accession_of_the_Republic_of_Crimea_to_Russia "Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Crimea to Russia"),<sup id="cite_ref-Treaty_222-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Treaty-222"><span>[</span>216<span>]</span></a></sup> which was ratified by the [Russian Federal Assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Federal_Assembly "Russian Federal Assembly") on March 21.<sup id="cite_ref-223"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-223"><span>[</span>217<span>]</span></a></sup> A transition period was in force for integrating Crimean governmental institutions, ending on January 1, 2015.<sup id="cite_ref-224"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-224"><span>[</span>218<span>]</span></a></sup>

After the seizure of Ukrainian naval base at Feodosia on March 24, Russian troops have seized most of Ukraine's military bases in Crimea. On the same day, the acting president of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov, ordered the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from Crimean peninsula.<sup id="cite_ref-225"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-225"><span>[</span>219<span>]</span></a></sup>

According to a report released on the Russian government-run President of Russia's Council on Civil Society and Human Rights website, Tatars who were opposed to Russian rule have been persecuted, Russian law restricting freedom of speech has been imposed, and the new Russian authorities "liquidated" the Kyiv Patriarchate Orthodox church on the peninsula.<sup id="cite_ref-unpoTimeline_226-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-unpoTimeline-226"><span>[</span>220<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Washington_Post_227-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-Washington_Post-227"><span>[</span>221<span>]</span></a></sup> The Crimean Tatar television station was also shut down by the Russian authorities.<sup id="cite_ref-News_228-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-News-228"><span>[</span>222<span>]</span></a></sup>

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/Vladimir_Putin%27s_meeting_with_representatives_of_the_Crimean_Tatars_02.jpeg/250px-Vladimir_Putin%27s_meeting_with_representatives_of_the_Crimean_Tatars_02.jpeg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vladimir_Putin%27s_meeting_with_representatives_of_the_Crimean_Tatars_02.jpeg)

Russian president Putin meeting with representatives of the [Crimean Tatars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Tatars "Crimean Tatars"), 16 May 2014

On 16 May the new Russian authorities of Crimea issued a ban on the annual commemorations of the anniversary of the [deportation of the Crimean Tatars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deportation_of_the_Crimean_Tatars "Deportation of the Crimean Tatars") by Stalin in 1944, citing "possibility of provocation by extremists" as a reason.<sup id="cite_ref-229"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-229"><span>[</span>223<span>]</span></a></sup> Previously, when Crimea was controlled by Ukraine, these commemorations had taken place every year. The Russian-installed Crimean authorities also banned [Mustafa Dzhemilev](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Dzhemilev "Mustafa Dzhemilev"), a human rights activist, [Soviet dissident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_dissidents "Soviet dissidents"), member of the Ukrainian parliament, and former chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars from entering Crimea.<sup id="cite_ref-ft_230-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-ft-230"><span>[</span>224<span>]</span></a></sup> Additionally, Mejlis reported, that officers of Russia's [Federal Security Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Security_Service "Federal Security Service") (FSB) raided Tatar homes in the same week, on the pretense of "suspicion of terrorist activity".<sup id="cite_ref-reut_231-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-reut-231"><span>[</span>225<span>]</span></a></sup> The Tatar community eventually did hold commemorative rallies in defiance of the ban.<sup id="cite_ref-ft_230-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-ft-230"><span>[</span>224<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-reut_231-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-reut-231"><span>[</span>225<span>]</span></a></sup> In response Russian authorities flew helicopters over the rallies in an attempt to disrupt them.<sup id="cite_ref-bbc2_232-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-bbc2-232"><span>[</span>226<span>]</span></a></sup>

-   [2022 annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_annexation_referendums_in_Russian-occupied_Ukraine "2022 annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukraine")
-   [2014 Donbas status referendums](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Donbas_status_referendums "2014 Donbas status referendums")
-   [1991 Ukrainian independence referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Ukrainian_independence_referendum "1991 Ukrainian independence referendum")
-   [Ethnic Russians in post-Soviet states](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Russians_in_post-Soviet_states "Ethnic Russians in post-Soviet states")
-   [Russian irredentism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_irredentism "Russian irredentism")
-   [1991 Transcarpathian general regional referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Transcarpathian_general_regional_referendum "1991 Transcarpathian general regional referendum")

1.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-twp-2014-votes_8-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-twp-2014-votes_8-1) [<sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-twp-2014-votes_8-2) Morello; Constable; Faiola (2014) "\[Mikhail Malyshev, the Crimean election Spokesman,\] who spoke briefly Monday morning on Crimean television, said a total of 1,274,096 people voted, for an 83.1 percent turnout. Of those who cast a ballot, \[sic\] 1,233,002 voted to shift to Russia, 31,997 voted to stay with Ukraine, and 9,097 were in invalid, Malyshev said."<sup id="cite_ref-125"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-125"><span>[</span>120<span>]</span></a></sup>
2.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-kolsto-edemsky-1995_63-0 "Jump up")** Kolstø; Edemsky (1995) "On 5 May 1992 the Crimean parliament adopted a constitution plus a Declaration of Independence. \[...\] However, on the very next day, the parliament inserted a new sentence into the new constitution to the effect that the Crimean republic \[was\] a constituent part of the Ukrainian republic." p. 194<sup id="cite_ref-62"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-62"><span>[</span>61<span>]</span></a></sup>
3.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-71 "Jump up")** Crimean Parliament (2014; in Russian) "Вопрос, получивший большинство голосов, считается выражающим прямое волеизъявление населения Крыма."<sup id="cite_ref-duplicate_60-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-duplicate-60"><span>[</span>59<span>]</span></a></sup>
4.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-75 "Jump up")** The [Constitution of the Soviet Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_Soviet_Constitution "1977 Soviet Constitution") did give the [Republics of the Soviet Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republics_of_the_Soviet_Union "Republics of the Soviet Union") the right to secede.<sup id="cite_ref-74"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-74"><span>[</span>71<span>]</span></a></sup>
5.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-111 "Jump up")** Urquhat; Williamson; Nelid (2014) "\[Walker has\] just come back from a rather bizarre "press conference" of international observers for the referendum. It was 45 minutes before there were any questions, as the six people present mainly went on political rants against US hegemony in the world."<sup id="cite_ref-110"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_note-110"><span>[</span>106<span>]</span></a></sup>
6.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-126 "Jump up")** Calculated as Total votes cast divided by Turnout

1.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-1 "Jump up")** ["Crimea referendum: Voters 'back Russia union'"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26606097). _[BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News")_. March 16, 2014.
2.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-2 "Jump up")** ["Disputed Crimea Referendum Sees 96.8 Percent Vote to Join Russia"](https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/disputed-crimea-referendum-sees-96-8-percent-vote-join-russia-n54326). _[NBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_News "NBC News")_. March 17, 2014.
3.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-3 "Jump up")** ["Putin reveals secrets of Russia's Crimea takeover plot"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31796226). _BBC News_. March 9, 2015.
4.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-auto_4-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-auto_4-1) [How Russia Took Crimea](http://www.businessinsider.com/how-russia-took-crimea-2015-3) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210122234515/https://www.businessinsider.com/how-russia-took-crimea-2015-3) January 22, 2021, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") Macias, Amanda (2015). Business Insider. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
5.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-5 "Jump up")** [Putin Admits Russian Forces Were Deployed to Crimea](http://uk.reuters.com/article/russia-putin-crimea-idUKL6N0N921H20140417) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140419015007/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/04/17/russia-putin-crimea-idUKL6N0N921H20140417) April 19, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") Reuters (2014). Retrieved August 1, 2017.
6.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-ukrinform.ua_6-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-ukrinform.ua_6-1) [<sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-ukrinform.ua_6-2) [<sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-ukrinform.ua_6-3) ["Mejlis to boycott Crimean referendum"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317215837/http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/mejlis_to_boycott_crimean_referendum_318219). Ukrinform.ua. March 6, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/mejlis_to_boycott_crimean_referendum_318219) on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
7.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-pretedermined_7-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-pretedermined_7-1) ["Tatar leader: referendum's results 'predetermined'"](http://www.dw.de/tatar-leader-referendums-results-predetermined/a-17500078). DW.DE. March 16, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140316232350/http://www.dw.de/tatar-leader-referendums-results-predetermined/a-17500078) from the original on March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
8.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-globeyes_9-0 "Jump up")** Saideman, Stephen (March 12, 2014). ["In Crimea's sham referendum, all questions lead to 'yes'"](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/in-crimeas-sham-referendum-all-questions-lead-to-yes/article17396854/). _Globe and Mail_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151008182021/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/in-crimeas-sham-referendum-all-questions-lead-to-yes/article17396854/) from the original on October 8, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2017. ... voters in Crimea next Sunday will be asked whether they support the union of Crimea with Russia (an act of [irredentism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irredentism "Irredentism")) or whether Crimea should be independent (secession). There is no alternative – one cannot vote for the status quo ante of remaining within Ukraine.
9.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-autogenerated1_10-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-autogenerated1_10-1) Sneider, Noah (March 15, 2014). ["2 Choices in Crimea Referendum, but Neither Is 'No'"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/world/europe/crimea-vote-does-not-offer-choice-of-status-quo.html). _The New York Times_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140314232139/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/world/europe/crimea-vote-does-not-offer-choice-of-status-quo.html) from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
10.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-11 "Jump up")** Oliphant, Roland (March 16, 2014). ["Crimeans vote peacefully in referendum, but have little choice"](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10701676/Crimeans-vote-peacefully-in-referendum-but-have-little-choice.html). _The Daily Telegraph_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210309042254/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10701676/Crimeans-vote-peacefully-in-referendum-but-have-little-choice.html) from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
11.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-12 "Jump up")** [Crimean parliament formally applies to join Russia](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26609667) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200405143454/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26609667) April 5, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [BBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC "BBC"), March 17, 2014
12.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-13 "Jump up")** ["Executive Order on recognising Republic of Crimea"](http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/page/451). _en.kremlin.ru_. March 17, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150508172248/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20596) from the original on May 8, 2015.
13.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-autogenerated3_14-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-autogenerated3_14-1) ["U.S., EU set sanctions as Putin recognizes Crimea "sovereignty""](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140317). _Reuters_. March 17, 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160124003700/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140317) from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
14.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-15 "Jump up")** ["Putin Recognizes Crimea Secession, Defying the West"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russian-officials.html?hp&_r=). _The New York Times_. March 17, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210721131838/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russian-officials.html?hp&_r=) from the original on July 21, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
15.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-International_Law_16-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-International_Law_16-1) Marxsen, Christian (April 17, 2014). ["The Crimea Crisis – An International Law Perspective"](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2520530). _Heidelberg Journal of International Law_. [SSRN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSRN_(identifier) "SSRN (identifier)") [2520530](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2520530). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210925174058/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2520530) from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2014.
16.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-17 "Jump up")** [The Crimea Crisis – An International Law Perspective](http://www.mpil.de/files/pdf4/Marxsen_2014_-_The_crimea_crisis_-_an_international_law_perspective.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201212045930/https://www.mpil.de/files/pdf4/Marxsen_2014_-_The_crimea_crisis_-_an_international_law_perspective.pdf) December 12, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") Marxsen, Christian (2014). Max-Planck-Institut. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
17.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-UNGA_18-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-UNGA_18-1) [<sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-UNGA_18-2) ["U.N. General Assembly Affirms Ukraine's Territorial Integrity, Calls The World Community Not To Recognise Change Of Crimea's Status"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140504093220/http://un.ua/eng/article/500959.html). _[Ukrainian News Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_News_Agency "Ukrainian News Agency")_. March 27, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://un.ua/eng/article/500959.html) on May 4, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
18.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-19 "Jump up")** ["Security Council Fails to Adopt Text Urging Member States Not to Recognize Planned 16 March Referendum in Ukraine's Crimea Region"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140315213517/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2014/sc11319.doc.htm). _Un.org_. Archived from [the original](https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2014/sc11319.doc.htm) on March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
19.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-20 "Jump up")** Chappell, Bill (March 15, 2014). ["Russia Vetoes U.N. Security Council Resolution On Crimea"](https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/03/15/290404691/russia-vetoes-u-n-security-council-resolution-on-crimea). _NPR_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140315221831/https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/03/15/290404691/russia-vetoes-u-n-security-council-resolution-on-crimea) from the original on March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
20.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-21 "Jump up")** Shishkin, Philip (March 14, 2014). ["Fear and Loathing Builds in Crimea Ahead of Vote"](https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304185104579439232215134884). _Wall Street Journal_. Online.wsj.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141215223553/http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304185104579439232215134884) from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
21.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-2001-census_22-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-2001-census_22-1) ["2001 Ukrainian Census"](http://2001.ukrcensus.gov.ua/eng/results/general/nationality/). State Statistics Committee of Ukraine. 2003. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111217151026/http://2001.ukrcensus.gov.ua/eng/results/general/nationality/) from the original on December 17, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
22.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-23 "Jump up")** Said, Hashem (February 3, 2014). ["Map: Russian language dominant in Crimea"](http://america.aljazeera.com/multimedia/2014/3/map-russian-the-dominantlanguageincrimea.html). Al Jazeera America. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317052245/http://america.aljazeera.com/multimedia/2014/3/map-russian-the-dominantlanguageincrimea.html) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
23.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-24 "Jump up")** ["О проведении общекрымского референдума"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140309183635/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/act/11689) \[On holding a general Crimean referendum\]. Archived from [the original](http://www.rada.crimea.ua/act/11689) on March 9, 2014. / Верховный Совет Автономной Республики Крым
24.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Rada_25-0 "Jump up")** ["Парламент Криму ухвалив постанову "Про проведення загальнокримського референдуму"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150430161455/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/ua/news/06_03_2014_1) \[The Crimean Parliament adopted a resolution "On holding an all-Crimean referendum\]. Archived from [the original](http://www.rada.crimea.ua/ua/news/06_03_2014_1) on April 30, 2015. / Верховна Рада Автономної Республіки Крим
25.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-26 "Jump up")** ["Why Crimea is so dangerous"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26367786). _BBC News_. March 11, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180615055542/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26367786) from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
26.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-27 "Jump up")** Ostapchuk, Victor (March 7, 2014). ["Don't let Russia abuse Crimean history"](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/dont-let-russia-abuse-crimean-history/article17357913/). _theglobeandmail.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150626135419/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/dont-let-russia-abuse-crimean-history/article17357913/) from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
27.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Sasse_28-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Sasse_28-1) Sasse, Gwendolyn (March 3, 2014). ["Crimean autonomy: A viable alternative to war?"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/03/crimean-autonomy-a-viable-alternative-to-war/). _The Washington Post_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150626145150/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/03/crimean-autonomy-a-viable-alternative-to-war/) from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
28.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-29 "Jump up")** ["17 March 1995 Law of Ukraine № 93-95/VR "On abrogation of the Constitution and specific acts of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea"](http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/92/95-%D0%B2%D1%80). Zakon4.rada.gov.ua. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140309205941/http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/92/95-%D0%B2%D1%80) from the original on March 9, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
29.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Abolished_30-0 "Jump up")** ["Ukraine Moves To Oust Leader of Separatists"](https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/19/world/ukraine-moves-to-oust-leader-of-separatists.html). _The New York Times_. March 19, 1995. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140330014936/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/19/world/ukraine-moves-to-oust-leader-of-separatists.html) from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
30.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-31 "Jump up")** ["Official results: 97 percent of Crimea voters back joining Russia"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/official-results-97-of-crimea-voters-back-joining-russia/). _[CBS News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBS_News "CBS News")_. March 17, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210224133404/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/official-results-97-of-crimea-voters-back-joining-russia/) from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
31.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-32 "Jump up")** ["PROSPECTS OF CRIMEA: REGIONAL STATUS"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160420233809/http://razumkov.org.ua/eng/files/category_journal/NSD104_eng.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.razumkov.org.ua/eng/files/category_journal/NSD104_eng_2.pdf) (PDF) on April 20, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
32.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-33 "Jump up")** ["Poll: Most Crimean residents consider Ukraine their motherland"](https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/poll-most-crimean-residents-consider-ukraine-their-102113.html). _KyivPost_. April 11, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120611192637/https://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/102113/) from the original on June 11, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
33.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2009_34-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2009_34-1) [<sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2009_34-2) [<sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2009_34-3) [Квартальный мониторинговый отчёт. Социально-экономическое положение Крыма. Октябрь-декабрь 2009](https://web.archive.org/web/20140502000238/http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/file/monitoring_ru_2009_10-12.pdf) \[Quarterly Monitoring Report: Socio-economic status of the Crimea. October–December 2009\] (PDF) (in Russian). United Nations Development Programme, Ukraine. 2009. p. 45. Archived from [the original](http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/file/monitoring_ru_2009_10-12.pdf) (PDF) on May 2, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
34.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2010_35-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2010_35-1) [<sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2010_35-2) [<sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2010_35-3) [<sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2010_35-4) [<sup><i><b>f</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2010_35-5) [<sup><i><b>g</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2010_35-6) [<sup><i><b>h</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2010_35-7) [Квартальный мониторинговый отчёт. Социально-экономическое положение Крыма. Октябрь-декабрь 2010](https://web.archive.org/web/20140415042714/http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/file/monitoring_ru_2010_10-12.pdf) \[Quarterly Monitoring Report: Socio-economic status of Crimea. October–December 2010\] (PDF) (in Russian). United Nations Development Programme, Ukraine. 2010. p. 62. Archived from [the original](http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/file/monitoring_ru_2010_10-12.pdf) (PDF) on April 15, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
35.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2011_36-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-undp2011_36-1) [Отчёт о мониторинге социально-экономической ситуации в контексте реализации Стратегии экономического и социального развития АР Крым на 2011–2020 гг. Октябрь-декабрь 2011 г.](https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005021/http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/Strategy%20Implementation%20Monitoring%20Report%20%28October%20to%20December%202011%29%285%29.pdf) \[Report on monitoring the social and economic situation in the context of the implementation of the Strategy for Economic and Social Development of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea for 2011–2020. October–December 2011\] (PDF) (in Russian). United Nations Development Programme. 2011. p. 18. Archived from [the original](http://www.undp.crimea.ua/img/content/Strategy%20Implementation%20Monitoring%20Report%20(October%20to%20December%202011)(5).pdf) (PDF) on May 2, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
36.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-37 "Jump up")** [_Public Opinion Survey Residents of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea May 16 – 30, 2013_](http://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2013%20October%207%20Survey%20of%20Crimean%20Public%20Opinion,%20May%2016-30,%202013.pdf) (PDF). International Republican Institute. p. 17. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171010120516/http://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2013%20October%207%20Survey%20of%20Crimean%20Public%20Opinion,%20May%2016-30,%202013.pdf) (PDF) from the original on October 10, 2017. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
37.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-38 "Jump up")** [Динаміка ставлення населення України до Росії та населення Росії до України, яких відносин з Росією хотіли б українці](http://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=eng&cat=reports&id=236&page=1) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171223055352/http://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=eng&cat=reports&id=236&page=1) December 23, 2017, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") (March 4, 2014). Kyiv International Institute of Sociology
38.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-39 "Jump up")** Salem, Harriet; Walker, Shaun; Harding, Luke (February 28, 2014). ["Conflict fears rise after pro-Russian gunmen seize Crimean parliament"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/ukraine-crimea-russia-secession). _The Guardian_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170213004910/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/24/ukraine-crimea-russia-secession) from the original on February 13, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
39.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-IUCR27214_40-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-IUCR27214_40-1) ["Number of Crimean deputies present at referendum resolution vote unclear"](http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193292.html). [Interfax-Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interfax-Ukraine "Interfax-Ukraine"). February 27, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150626153118/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193292.html) from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
40.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-:22_41-0 "Jump up")** ["И.Стрелков vs Н.Стариков "ЦЕНТРСИЛЫ / СИЛАЦЕНТРА""](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G04tXnvKx8Y) \[I. Strelkov vs N. Starikov debate\]. Neuromir TV. January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
41.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-42 "Jump up")** [Russian FSB colonel Igor Girkin (alias Strelkov): "The Crimea referendum was a fake"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcCqrzctxH4). I. Strelkov vs N. Starikov debate. Neuromir TV. 2015-01-22.
42.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-LATimes2014-03-01a_43-0 "Jump up")** Sergei L. Loiko (March 1, 2014). ["New Crimea leaders move up referendum date"](http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-crimea-referendum-date-20140301,0,2305350.story). _[Los Angeles Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Times "Los Angeles Times")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140301134552/http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-crimea-referendum-date-20140301,0,2305350.story) from the original on March 1, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014. KIEV, Ukraine – Crimea's new pro-Moscow premier, Sergei Aksenov, moved the date of the peninsula's status referendum to March 30. On Thursday, the Crimean parliament, which appointed Aksenov, had called for a referendum on May 25, the date also set for the urgent presidential election in Ukraine.
43.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-44 "Jump up")** ["TsVK says that it is not possible to conduct the Crimean referendum"](http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/27/7016542/). _[Ukrayinska Pravda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrayinska_Pravda "Ukrayinska Pravda")_ (in Ukrainian). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140228102753/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/02/27/7016542/) from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
44.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-45 "Jump up")** Merat, Arron (February 27, 2014). ["Ukraine crisis: Ukraine searches for missing billions"](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10664833/Ukraine-crisis-Ukraine-searches-for-missing-billions.html). _[The Daily Telegraph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Daily_Telegraph "The Daily Telegraph")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180316154935/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10664833/Ukraine-crisis-Ukraine-searches-for-missing-billions.html) from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
45.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-court_cancelled_46-0 "Jump up")** [The Court reversed the decision of the puppets of the Kremlin in the Crimea](http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/4/7017611/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140306153504/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/4/7017611/) March 6, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). _[Ukrayinska Pravda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrayinska_Pravda "Ukrayinska Pravda")_. March 4, 2014
46.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-47 "Jump up")** webstudio, TAC. ["Ukrainian Journal"](http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=18138). _ukrainianjournal.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318002032/http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=18138) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
47.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-48 "Jump up")** Braden Goyette (March 6, 2014). ["Crimea Referendum Vote On Joining Russia Scheduled For March 16"](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/06/crimea-referendum-russia_n_4910096.html). _Huffington Post_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140311205305/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/06/crimea-referendum-russia_n_4910096.html) from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
48.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-49 "Jump up")** ["'There Was No Quorum': Crimean Lawmaker Calls Vote To Join Russia Flawed"](http://www.rferl.org/content/interview-crimea-vote-ukraine-russia/25288146.html). Rferl.org. March 6, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140309112801/http://www.rferl.org/content/interview-crimea-vote-ukraine-russia/25288146.html) from the original on March 9, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
49.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-50 "Jump up")** ["Kırım vekilleri Rusya'ya katılmak için oy kullandıklarını bilmiyordu – Kırım Haber Ajansı"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140309113346/http://qha.com.ua/kirim-vekilleri-rusya-ya-katilmak-icin-oy-kullandiklarini-bilmiyordu-131159tr.html) \[Crimean MPs didn't know they were voting to join Russia – Crimea News Agency\]. Qha.com.ua. March 8, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://qha.com.ua/kirim-vekilleri-rusya-ya-katilmak-icin-oy-kullandiklarini-bilmiyordu-131159tr.html) on March 9, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
50.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-51 "Jump up")** ["КС признал неконституционным постановление о проведении референдума в Крыму – Видео"](http://24tv.ua/ru/ks_priznal_nekonstitutsionnim_postanovlenie_o_provedenii_referenduma_v_krimu_n420886) \[The Constitutional Court declared unconstitutional the decision to hold a referendum in Crimea – Video\]. March 14, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160204201723/http://24tv.ua/ru/ks_priznal_nekonstitutsionnim_postanovlenie_o_provedenii_referenduma_v_krimu_n420886) from the original on February 4, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
51.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-zakon_52-0 "Jump up")** [Про дострокове припинення повноважень Верховної Ради Автономної Республіки Крим](http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/891-18) \[On the dissolution of the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea\]. _Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine_ (in Ukrainian). March 15, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171210200951/http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/891-18) from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
52.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-53 "Jump up")** ["Ukrainian State Border Guard Service personnel keep performing tasks on enforcing border protection of South, East and West Ukrainian border"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140310230456/http://dpsu.gov.ua/en/about/news/news_3533.htm). [State Border Guard Service of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Border_Guard_Service_of_Ukraine "State Border Guard Service of Ukraine"). March 10, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://dpsu.gov.ua/en/about/news/news_3533.htm) on March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
53.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-54 "Jump up")** ["Crimean Tatars face tough choice: dig in, or flee"](http://www.kyivpost.com/multimedia/photo/tatar-self-defense-339029.html). _Kyiv Post_. March 11, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140312012935/http://www.kyivpost.com/multimedia/photo/tatar-self-defense-339029.html) from the original on March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
54.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-55 "Jump up")** ["Crimea referendum: Voters 'back Russia union'"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26606097). _BBC News_. March 16, 2014.
55.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-56 "Jump up")** ["Official voting bulletin"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140316100339/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/textdoc/ru/6/act/1702pr.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.rada.crimea.ua/textdoc/ru/6/act/1702pr.pdf) (PDF) on March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
56.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-57 "Jump up")** ["Provisional regulations on republican (local) referendum in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140418205506/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/textdoc/ru/6/act/1702pr2.pdf) (PDF). [rada.crimea.ua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Council_of_Crimea "Supreme Council of Crimea"). Archived from [the original](http://www.rada.crimea.ua/textdoc/ru/6/act/1702pr2.pdf) (PDF) on April 18, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
57.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-BBC_58-0 "Jump up")** ["Ukraine crisis: Crimea parliament asks to join Russia"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962). _BBC News_. March 6, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200405143452/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962) from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
58.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-kryminfo1_59-0 "Jump up")** ["При воссоединении с Россией крымчане дискомфорта не почувствуют!"](http://www.kryminfo.net/pri-vossoedinenii-s-osiyey-krymchane-diskomforta-ne-pochustvuyut/) \[When reuniting with Russia, the Crimeans will not feel any discomfort!\]. _kryminfo.net_. March 8, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140323134153/http://www.kryminfo.net/pri-vossoedinenii-s-osiyey-krymchane-diskomforta-ne-pochustvuyut/) from the original on March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
59.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-duplicate_60-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-duplicate_60-1) ["Парламент Крыма принял постановление "О проведении общекрымского референдума""](https://web.archive.org/web/20140306131903/http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/06_03_2014_1) \[The Crimean Parliament adopted a resolution "On holding an all-Crimean referendum"\]. Пресс-центр Верховного Совета АРК (Press center of the Supreme Council of ARC). March 6, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.rada.crimea.ua/news/06_03_2014_1) on March 6, 2014.
60.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-61 "Jump up")** ["Верховный Совет Автономной Республики Крым"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140313095449/http://referendum2014.ru/upload/iblock/452/4524db18d1f0f476965564be3be08a2e.htm) \[Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea\]. Referendum2014.ru. Archived from [the original](http://referendum2014.ru/upload/iblock/452/4524db18d1f0f476965564be3be08a2e.htm) on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
61.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-62 "Jump up")** Kolstø, Pål; Edemsky, Andrei (1995). [_Russians in the Former Soviet Republics_](https://archive.org/details/russiansinformer0000kols). C. Hurst & Co. Publishers. p. [194](https://archive.org/details/russiansinformer0000kols/page/194). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-85065-206-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85065-206-9 "Special:BookSources/978-1-85065-206-9"). 26 February 1992 Crimean constitution.
62.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-64 "Jump up")** [Constitution of Crimea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Autonomous_Republic_of_Crimea "Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea") (May 6, 1992; in Russian) [Article 9](http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/krym/show/rb076a002-92/ed19920506) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200522/http://zakon4.rada.gov.ua/krym/show/rb076a002-92/ed19920506) March 4, 2016, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). "The Republic of Crimea is a part of Ukraine and establishes relations with it on a basis of treaty and contracts." Retrieved on March 15, 2014.
63.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-autogenerated5_65-0 "Jump up")** Saideman, Stephen (March 12, 2014). ["In Crimea's sham referendum, all questions lead to 'yes'"](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/in-crimeas-sham-referendum-all-questions-lead-to-yes/article17396854/). _Globe and Mail_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151008182021/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/in-crimeas-sham-referendum-all-questions-lead-to-yes/article17396854/) from the original on October 8, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2017. ...voters in Crimea next Sunday will be asked whether they support the union of Crimea with Russia (an act of [irredentism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irredentism "Irredentism")) or whether Crimea should be independent (secession). There is no alternative – one cannot vote for the status quo ante of remaining within Ukraine.
64.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-kpyesyes_66-0 "Jump up")** ["Two choices in Crimean referendum: yes and yes"](http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/two-choices-in-crimean-referendum-yes-and-yes-338745.html). _Kyiv Post_. March 7, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140310153324/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/two-choices-in-crimean-referendum-yes-and-yes-338745.html) from the original on March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
65.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-foxyes_67-0 "Jump up")** ["Crimea parliament vote offers two choices on Russia – join now or later"](https://www.foxnews.com/world/crimea-parliament-vote-offers-two-choices-on-russia-join-now-or-later/). Fox News. March 11, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140315045639/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/03/11/ousted-ukraine-president-yanukovych-says-extremists-hold-power-in-ukraine/) from the original on March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
66.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-biyes_68-0 "Jump up")** Murphy, Dan. ["Russia Was Prepared To Take Crimea For Years"](http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-was-prepared-to-take-crimea-for-years-2014-3). _Business Insider_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140313014255/http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-was-prepared-to-take-crimea-for-years-2014-3) from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014. Voters are being given a choice between independence or unification with Russia
67.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-69 "Jump up")** [Бюллетени всекрымского референдума напечатают на трех языках | Крымское информационное агентство](http://www.kianews.com.ua/news/byulleteni-vsekrymskogo-referenduma-napechatayut-na-treh-yazykah) (in Russian). Kianews.com.ua. March 7, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140307164940/http://www.kianews.com.ua/news/byulleteni-vsekrymskogo-referenduma-napechatayut-na-treh-yazykah) from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
68.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-70 "Jump up")** ["Possible irregularities seen in Crimea referendum – Yahoo News"](https://news.yahoo.com/possible-irregularities-seen-crimea-referendum-140150253.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140322044101/http://news.yahoo.com/possible-irregularities-seen-crimea-referendum-140150253.html) from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
69.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-1) [<sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-2) [<sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-3) [<sup><i><b>e</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Is_Crimea's_referendum_legal_72-4) [Is Crimea's referendum legal?](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26546133) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180622122649/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26546133) June 22, 2018, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), [BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News") (March 13, 2014)
70.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-73 "Jump up")** ["Джемилев: Путин заявил о незаконном выходе Украины из состава СССР"](http://www.rosbalt.ru/ukraina/2014/03/12/1243344.html) \[Dzhemilev: Putin announced the illegal withdrawal of Ukraine from the USSR\]. _[RosBalt](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=RosBalt&action=edit&redlink=1 "RosBalt (page does not exist)")_. March 12, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140313053802/http://www.rosbalt.ru/ukraina/2014/03/12/1243344.html) from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
71.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-74 "Jump up")** _[State-Building in Russia: The Yeltsin Legacy and the Challenge of the Future](https://books.google.com/books?id=nptwWeErELUC&dq=right+to+secede+USSR+constitution&pg=PA67) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160505154407/https://books.google.com/books?id=nptwWeErELUC&pg=PA67&dq=right+to+secede+USSR+constitution&hl=nl&sa=X&ei=GJwjU66fCcqR0AXfzoCABA&ved=0CE0Q6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=right%20to%20secede%20USSR%20constitution&f=false) May 5, 2016, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")_ by [Gordon B. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gordon_B._Smith&action=edit&redlink=1 "Gordon B. Smith (page does not exist)"), [M. E. Sharpe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._E._Sharpe "M. E. Sharpe"), 1999, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-7656-0276-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7656-0276-8 "Special:BookSources/0-7656-0276-8") (page 67)
72.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-76 "Jump up")** ["Putin: referendum in Crimea fully complied with international law norms"](http://tass.ru/en/russia/723846). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160825170449/http://tass.ru/en/russia/723846) from the original on August 25, 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
73.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-77 "Jump up")** Tanner, Adam; Stevenson, Reed (July 22, 2010). ["Kosovo independence declaration deemed legal"](https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66L01720100722). _Reuters_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100729011833/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66L01720100722) from the original on July 29, 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
74.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Bellinger01_78-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Bellinger01_78-1) ["Why the Crimean Referendum Is Illegitimate"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140321035641/http://www.cfr.org/ukraine/why-crimean-referendum-illegitimate/p32594). _cfr.org_. Archived from [the original](http://www.cfr.org/ukraine/why-crimean-referendum-illegitimate/p32594) on March 21, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
75.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Experts01_79-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Experts01_79-1) ["Experts: Crimea isn't comparable to Kosovo"](http://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/302263--experts-crimea-isnt-comparable-to-kosovo). _aa.com.tr_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317224438/http://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/302263--experts-crimea-isnt-comparable-to-kosovo) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
76.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-BBC-Weller01_80-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-BBC-Weller01_80-1) [Weller, Marc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Weller_(Professor) "Marc Weller (Professor)") (March 7, 2014). ["Analysis: Why Russia's Crimea move fails legal test"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26481423). _BBC News_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140311235602/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26481423) from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
77.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-81 "Jump up")** ["Конституція України"](https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2%D1%80) \[Constitution of Ukraine\]. _Офіційний вебпортал парламенту України_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220304003013/https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2%D1%80) from the original on March 4, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
78.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-82 "Jump up")** ["Закон України "Про всеукраїнський референдум""](http://search.ligazakon.ua/l_doc2.nsf/link1/T125475.html) \[Law of Ukraine "On All-Ukrainian Referendum"\]. Search.ligazakon.ua. November 28, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140322032740/http://search.ligazakon.ua/l_doc2.nsf/link1/T125475.html) from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
79.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-83 "Jump up")** [ЦВК наголошує, що місцевий референдум в Криму неможливий](http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/3/7017317/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180922131951/https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/3/7017317/) September 22, 2018, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") — Українська правда (3 березня 2014)
80.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-:1_84-0 "Jump up")** ["Yanukovych's removal was unconstitutional"](https://gpforecasts.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/yanukovychs-removal-was-unconstitutional/). _GeoPolitical Forecasts_. March 1, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160910211834/https://gpforecasts.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/yanukovychs-removal-was-unconstitutional/) from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
81.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-85 "Jump up")** ["Crimea referendum: What does the ballot paper say? – BBC News"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26514797). _BBC News_. March 10, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160527024836/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26514797) from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
82.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-march6bbc_86-0 "Jump up")** ["Ukraine crisis: Crimea MPs vote to join Russia"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962). _BBC News_. March 6, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200405143452/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962) from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
83.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-87 "Jump up")** Bell, Yvonne (March 10, 2014). ["Russia 'will fix' Crimea referendum, says Tatar leader"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-referendum-tatars-idUSBREA291BT20140310). Reuters. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160310202149/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-referendum-tatars-idUSBREA291BT20140310) from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
84.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-88 "Jump up")** ["Venice Commission. CDL-AD(2014)002"](http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD%282014%29002-e). March 21, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140403033809/http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2014)002-e) from the original on April 3, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
85.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-ukrinform-2014-legitimacy_89-0 "Jump up")** ["Укрінформ: Тимошенко: Референдум про статус Криму під дулами автоматів є нелегітимним"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140328162405/http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/timoshenko_referendum_pro_status_krimu_pid_dulami_avtomativ_e__nelegitimnim_1915295) \[Ukrinform: Tymoshenko: Referendum on the status of Crimea under the barrels of machine guns is illegitimate\]. Ukrinform.ua. August 21, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.ukrinform.ua/ukr/news/timoshenko_referendum_pro_status_krimu_pid_dulami_avtomativ_e__nelegitimnim_1915295) on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
86.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-90 "Jump up")** ["Party of Regions must stop Crimean referendum – Miroshnychenko"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140327005413/http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/party_of_regions_must_stop_crimean_referendum___miroshnychenko_318414). Ukrinform.ua. March 11, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/party_of_regions_must_stop_crimean_referendum___miroshnychenko_318414) on March 27, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
87.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-91 "Jump up")** ["Yanukovych's speech in Rostov looked pathetic – Herman"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140327005420/http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/yanukovychs_speech_in_rostov_looked_pathetic___herman_318404). Ukrinform.ua. March 11, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/yanukovychs_speech_in_rostov_looked_pathetic___herman_318404) on March 27, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
88.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-92 "Jump up")** ["Crimea Poster"](http://www.businessinsider.com/crimea-poster-2014-3). Business Insider. March 10, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140313083515/http://www.businessinsider.com/crimea-poster-2014-3) from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
89.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-93 "Jump up")** ["Twitter / MareikeAden: Now saw this with own eyes"](https://twitter.com/MareikeAden/status/443056540241895424/photo/1). Twitter.com. March 10, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140322220230/https://twitter.com/MareikeAden/status/443056540241895424/photo/1) from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
90.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-94 "Jump up")** ["Twitter / ru\_rbc: Вы хотите"](https://twitter.com/ru_rbc/status/443266001707081728/photo/1) \[Twitter / ru\_rbc: You want\]. Twitter.com. March 10, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140323115836/https://twitter.com/ru_rbc/status/443266001707081728/photo/1) from the original on March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
91.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-interfax-2014-crimea-invite-osce_95-0 "Jump up")** ["OSCE observers weren't officially invited to Crimean referendum – Crimean authorities"](http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/195291.html). En.interfax.com.ua. March 11, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140311194324/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/195291.html) from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
92.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-reuters-2014-crimea-invites-observers_96-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-reuters-2014-crimea-invites-observers_96-1) ["Crimea invites OSCE observers for referendum on joining Russia"](https://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-referendum-osce-idUSL6N0M73AP20140310). _Reuters_. March 10, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085349/http://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-referendum-osce-idUSL6N0M73AP20140310) from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
93.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-fpNoOsce_97-0 "Jump up")** Firstpost (March 12, 2014). ["Crimea referendum illegal, no OSCE monitoring – Swiss"](http://www.firstpost.com/world/crimea-referendum-illegal-no-osce-monitoring-swiss-1429931.html). Firstpost. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924162618/http://www.firstpost.com/world/crimea-referendum-illegal-no-osce-monitoring-swiss-1429931.html) from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
94.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-98 "Jump up")** ["Thwarted Crimea mission of OSCE observers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320191913/http://www.euronews.com/2014/03/15/thwarted-crimea-mission-of-osce-observers/). _euronews.com_. March 15, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.euronews.com/2014/03/15/thwarted-crimea-mission-of-osce-observers/) on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
95.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-99 "Jump up")** ["Warning shots fired as OSCE mission turned away from Crimea"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-osce-shots-idUSBREA270HJ20140308). _Reuters_. March 8, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171020001505/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-osce-shots-idUSBREA270HJ20140308) from the original on October 20, 2017. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
96.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-%C5%A0tefanikov%C3%A1_100-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-%C5%A0tefanikov%C3%A1_100-1) [<sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-%C5%A0tefanikov%C3%A1_100-2) Sandra Štefaniková (March 19, 2014). ["Politici jeli na Krym s extremisty. Bylo to narychlo, říkají"](http://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/ani-pusky-ani-natlak-jak-cesti-politici-dohlizeli-na-krymu/r~d5764000aee911e3a322002590604f2e/) \[Politicians went to Crimea with extremists. It was hurried, they say\]. Aktuálně.cz. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320143610/http://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/ani-pusky-ani-natlak-jak-cesti-politici-dohlizeli-na-krymu/r~d5764000aee911e3a322002590604f2e/) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
97.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-101 "Jump up")** ["OSCE team says Crimea gunmen threatened to shoot at them"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140312225303/http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/130864/us-sees-russian-role-in-blocking-osces-crimea-mission). Worldbulletin.net. March 12, 2014. Archived from the original on March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
98.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-102 "Jump up")** ["UN Human Rights Envoy In Ukraine Unable To Reach CrimeaTalk Radio News Service"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140315041653/http://www.talkradionews.com/united-nations/2014/03/11/un-envoy-ukraine-unable-to-reach-crimea.html#.UyDDk84oPNo). Talkradionews.com. March 11, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.talkradionews.com/united-nations/2014/03/11/un-envoy-ukraine-unable-to-reach-crimea.html#.UyDDk84oPNo) on March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
99.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-103 "Jump up")** ["UN report on Euronews – 15 April 2014"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140416200706/http://euronews.com/2014/04/15/un-on-human-rights-in-ukraine-stop-lies-propaganda-and-inciting-hatred/). Euronews. March 11, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://euronews.com/2014/04/15/un-on-human-rights-in-ukraine-stop-lies-propaganda-and-inciting-hatred/) on April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
100.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-hpFlawed_104-0 "Jump up")** ["Crimea's Technically Flawed Referendum"](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-l-phillips/crimeas-technically-flawe_b_4992908.html). _The Huffington Post_. March 19, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140606170823/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-l-phillips/crimeas-technically-flawe_b_4992908.html) from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
101.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-djBiased_105-0 "Jump up")** Hanly, Ken (March 22, 2014). ["Op-Ed: The Crimea referendum and International observers 'yes'"](http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/politics/op-ed-the-crimea-referendum-and-international-observers/article/377812). _www.digitaljournal.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140610202454/http://digitaljournal.com/news/politics/op-ed-the-crimea-referendum-and-international-observers/article/377812) from the original on June 10, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014. At least many of the monitors were no doubt biased
102.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-fistejn_106-0 "Jump up")** Jefim Fištejn (March 20, 2014). ["KOMENTÁŘ: Děsivá pohádka o referendu a "Putinových" pozorovatelích"](http://zpravy.idnes.cz/komentar-jefima-fistejna-k-rusku-krymu-a-ukrajine-fvc-/zahranicni.aspx?c=A140320_2047226_domaci_jw) \[COMMENT: A scary tale about the referendum and "Putin's" observers\]. _zpravy.idnes.cz_. iDNES.cz. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140325004534/http://zpravy.idnes.cz/komentar-jefima-fistejna-k-rusku-krymu-a-ukrajine-fvc-/zahranicni.aspx?c=A140320_2047226_domaci_jw) from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
103.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-NR_107-0 "Jump up")** Snyder, Timothy (March 2014). ["Far-Right Forces are Influencing Russia's Actions in Crimea"](https://newrepublic.com/article/117048/crimean-referendum-was-electoral-farce). _The New Republic_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317211808/http://www.newrepublic.com/article/117048/crimean-referendum-was-electoral-farce) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
104.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-108 "Jump up")** spa (Šárka Pálková) (March 20, 2014). ["Berkovcova mise na Krym. Tají organizátora i financování"](http://www.lidovky.cz/berkovcova-mise-na-krym-mlzil-o-nazvu-organizatora-i-financovani-phh-/zpravy-domov.aspx?c=A140319_171408_ln_domov_spa) \[Berkovec's mission in Crimea. They hide the organizer and the financing\]. Lidovky.cz. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140322140013/http://www.lidovky.cz/berkovcova-mise-na-krym-mlzil-o-nazvu-organizatora-i-financovani-phh-/zpravy-domov.aspx?c=A140319_171408_ln_domov_spa) from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
105.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-FA_109-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-FA_109-1) Orenstein, Mitchell (March 25, 2014). ["Putin's Western Allies. Why Europe's Far Right Is on the Kremlin's Side"](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russia-fsu/2014-03-25/putins-western-allies). _Foreign Affairs_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161104131333/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russia-fsu/2014-03-25/putins-western-allies) from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
106.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-110 "Jump up")** Urquhart, Conal; Williamson, Lewis; Neild, Barry (March 15, 2014). ["Russia vetoes Crimea motion as Kiev claims it repelled Russian troops in south Ukraine"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/15/ukraine-crisis-fatal-clashes-as-tensions-rise-before-crimea-vote-live). _The Guardian_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317075755/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/15/ukraine-crisis-fatal-clashes-as-tensions-rise-before-crimea-vote-live) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
107.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-112 "Jump up")** ["Вести.Ru: Власти Крыма: референдум – законное право народа"](http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=1378380) \[Vesti.Ru: Crimean authorities: referendum is the legal right of the people\]. Vesti.ru. March 15, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317151733/http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=1378380) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
108.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-fast_113-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-fast_113-1) ["Declaring victory, Crimean and Russian officials pledge fast integration"](http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/voting-in-crimean-referendum-starts-even-as-ukraine-government-declares-it-illegitimate-339523.html). _Kyiv Post_. March 17, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317082713/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/voting-in-crimean-referendum-starts-even-as-ukraine-government-declares-it-illegitimate-339523.html) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
109.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-114 "Jump up")** ["'Irregularities' cited in Crimea referendum"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318162055/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/164578/-39-irregularities-39-cited-in-crimea-referendum.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/164578/-39-irregularities-39-cited-in-crimea-referendum.html) on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
110.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-115 "Jump up")** [Dzhemilev: 34% of Crimea residents participated in the "referendum" on March 16](http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/25/7020267/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140328155104/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/25/7020267/) March 28, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). [Ukrayinska Pravda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrayinska_Pravda "Ukrayinska Pravda"). March 25, 2014
111.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-116 "Jump up")** [Mustafa Dzhemilev "34.2% of Crimea residents participated in pseudoreferendum on March 16"](http://qtmm.org/ua/ua-%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/4369-%D0%BC%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%84%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%BB%D1%94%D0%B2-%D1%83-%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BC%D1%96-16-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B7%D0%BD%D1%8F-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B4%D1%96-%D0%B2%D0%B7%D1%8F%D0%BB%D0%B8-%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C-34-2-%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BD) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140426023608/http://qtmm.org/ua/ua-%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/4369-%D0%BC%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%84%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%BB%D1%94%D0%B2-%D1%83-%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BC%D1%96-16-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B7%D0%BD%D1%8F-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B4%D1%96-%D0%B2%D0%B7%D1%8F%D0%BB%D0%B8-%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C-34-2-%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BD) April 26, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Mejlis. March 25, 2014
112.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-117 "Jump up")** ["Unknown people seize passports of Crimean residents – Crimean News Agency"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150214001300/http://qha.com.ua/unknown-people-seize-passports-of-crimean-residents-130806en.html). Qha.com.ua. March 10, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://qha.com.ua/unknown-people-seize-passports-of-crimean-residents-130806en.html) on February 14, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
113.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-118 "Jump up")** Croft, Aleksandar Vasovic and Adrian (March 17, 2014). ["U.S., EU set sanctions as Putin recognises Crimea "sovereignty""](https://web.archive.org/web/20200730031257/https://in.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-crimea-referendum-idINDEEA2G00620140317). _Reuters_. Archived from [the original](http://in.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-crimea-referendum-idINDEEA2G00620140317) on July 30, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
114.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-119 "Jump up")** ["Crimea Votes To Join Russia, European Union Imposes Sanctions"](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/17/crimea-votes-russia_n_4978631.html). _Huffington Post_. March 17, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140321062110/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/17/crimea-votes-russia_n_4978631.html) from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
115.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-NR2_120-0 "Jump up")** Bullough, Oliver (March 2014). ["The Crimean Referendum to Join Russia Was an Unconstitutional Sham"](https://newrepublic.com/article/117044/crimean-referendum-join-russia-was-unconstitutional-sham). _New Republic_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170517150952/https://newrepublic.com/article/117044/crimean-referendum-join-russia-was-unconstitutional-sham) from the original on May 17, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
116.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-CtEode_121-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-CtEode_121-1) jek, kat (March 19, 2014). ["Cestu Šarapatky na Krym platila organizace ultrapravicového aktivisty"](http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/domaci/266740-cestu-sarapatky-na-krym-platila-organizace-ultrapravicoveho-aktivisty/) \[The Sharapatka trip to Crimea was paid for by an far-right activist organization\]. Czech Television. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320040523/http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/domaci/266740-cestu-sarapatky-na-krym-platila-organizace-ultrapravicoveho-aktivisty/) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
117.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-122 "Jump up")** Kateřina Perknerová. [Poslanec Berkovec: I pro krymské Tatary je Rusko symbolem jistoty](http://www.denik.cz/ze_sveta/poslanec-berkovec-i-pro-krymske-tatary-je-rusko-symbolem-jistoty-20140318.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318110347/http://www.denik.cz/ze_sveta/poslanec-berkovec-i-pro-krymske-tatary-je-rusko-symbolem-jistoty-20140318.html) March 18, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). deník.cz. March 18, 2014.
118.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Sarapatka_123-0 "Jump up")** Martin Dorazín, Jaromír Marek, Veronika Sedláčková. [Na Krymu začaly změny. Má parlament s novým jménem a bude mít i nový čas](http://www.rozhlas.cz/zpravy/evropa/_zprava/na-krymu-zacaly-zmeny-ma-parlament-s-novym-jmenem-a-bude-mit-i-novy-cas--1327777) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318050153/http://www.rozhlas.cz/zpravy/evropa/_zprava/na-krymu-zacaly-zmeny-ma-parlament-s-novym-jmenem-a-bude-mit-i-novy-cas--1327777) March 18, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Czech Radio. March 17, 2014. Accessed March 18, 2014.
119.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-124 "Jump up")** [State voters registry](https://www.drv.gov.ua/portal/!cm_core.cm_index?option=ext_num_voters&pdt=1&pmn_id=127) [Archived](https://archive.today/20140313152322/https://www.drv.gov.ua/portal/!cm_core.cm_index?option=ext_num_voters&pdt=1&pmn_id=127) March 13, 2014, at [archive.today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archive.today "Archive.today"). [Central Election Commission of Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Election_Commission_of_Ukraine "Central Election Commission of Ukraine").
120.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-125 "Jump up")** Morello, Carol; [Constable, Pamela](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamela_Constable "Pamela Constable"); Faiola, Anthony (March 17, 2014). ["Crimeans vote in referendum on whether to break away from Ukraine, join Russia"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/crimeans-begin-vote-on-russia-referendum/2014/03/16/ccec2132-acd4-11e3-a06a-e3230a43d6cb_story.html). _[The Washington Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Washington_Post "The Washington Post")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140316232749/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/crimeans-begin-vote-on-russia-referendum/2014/03/16/ccec2132-acd4-11e3-a06a-e3230a43d6cb_story.html) from the original on March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
121.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-sevsovet_127-0 "Jump up")** [На сессии городского Совета утверждены результаты общекрымского референдума 16 марта 2014 года](https://web.archive.org/web/20140722133147/http://sevsovet.com.ua/index.php/2011-06-30-23-44-03/12395-na-sessii-gorodskogo-soveta-utverzhdeny-rezultaty-obshchekrymskogo-referenduma-16-marta-2014-goda) \[Session of the City Council approved the results of the general referendum on March 16, 2014\] (in Russian). Official site of the Sevastopol City Council. March 17, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://sevsovet.com.ua/index.php/2011-06-30-23-44-03/12395-na-sessii-gorodskogo-soveta-utverzhdeny-rezultaty-obshchekrymskogo-referenduma-16-marta-2014-goda) on July 22, 2014.
122.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-128 "Jump up")** Video: [Более 95% избирателей в Крыму захотели вернуться в состав России](http://www.ntv.ru/novosti/861036/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318170213/http://www.ntv.ru/novosti/861036) March 18, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). ntv.ru. 17 March 2014. Accessed 18 March 2014.
123.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-129 "Jump up")** [Turnout for the referendum in the Crimea was 81.36%](http://itar-tass.com/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/1051661) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317230948/http://itar-tass.com/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/1051661) March 17, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). [ITAR-TASS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITAR-TASS "ITAR-TASS"). 16 March 2014
124.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-130 "Jump up")** [По предварительным данным, за присоединение к России проголосовали 95,5% крымчан](http://itar-tass.com/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/1051719) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318212818/http://itar-tass.com/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/1051719) March 18, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). ITAR-TASS. 17 March 2014. Accessed 18 March 2014.
125.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-131 "Jump up")** ["В Севастополе за присоединение к России проголосовало 123% населения"](http://www.unian.net/politics/897366-v-sevastopole-za-prisoedinenie-k-rossii-progolosovalo-123-naseleniya.html) \[In Sevastopol, 123% of the population voted for joining Russia\]. _unian.net_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318210105/http://www.unian.net/politics/897366-v-sevastopole-za-prisoedinenie-k-rossii-progolosovalo-123-naseleniya.html) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
126.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-132 "Jump up")** MacAskill, Ewen; Washington, Ian Traynor Dan Roberts in (March 17, 2014). ["EU and US impose sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian officials"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/eu-imposes-sanctions-21-russian-ukrainian-officials-crimea). _The Guardian_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190616130945/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/eu-imposes-sanctions-21-russian-ukrainian-officials-crimea) from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
127.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-133 "Jump up")** Adesnik, David. ["How Russia Rigged Crimean Referendum"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidadesnik/2014/03/18/how-russia-rigged-crimean-referendum/). _forbes.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170705041025/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidadesnik/2014/03/18/how-russia-rigged-crimean-referendum/) from the original on July 5, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
128.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-134 "Jump up")** ["За слияние с Россией проголосовало 123% севастопольцев"](http://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2014/03/17/7019270/) \[123% of Sevastopol residents voted for a merger with Russia\]. _pravda.com.ua_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140321044319/http://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2014/03/17/7019270/) from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
129.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-135 "Jump up")** Купчинецкая, Виктория (March 31, 2014). ["Мустафа Джамилев выступил в Совете Безопасности ООН"](http://www.golos-ameriki.ru/content/crimea-tatars-on-latest-evens-in-ukraine/1883359.html) \[Mustafa Dzhamilev addressed the UN Security Council\]. _[Voice of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_of_America "Voice of America")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140404065645/http://www.golos-ameriki.ru/content/crimea-tatars-on-latest-evens-in-ukraine/1883359.html) from the original on April 4, 2014. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
130.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-uiChubarov30-40_136-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-uiChubarov30-40_136-1) [Voter turnout at pseudo-referendum in Crimea was maximum 30–40 percent – Mejlis](https://web.archive.org/web/20140330093829/http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/voter_turnout_at_pseudo_referendum_in_crimea_was_maximum_30_40_percent___mejlis_3186574). [Ukrinform](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrinform "Ukrinform"). March 17, 2014
131.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-guardianlv.com_137-0 "Jump up")** ["Crimea Referendum: 34 Percent, Not 97 Percent, Says Former Russian Government Adviser"](http://guardianlv.com/2014/03/crimea-referendum-34-percent-not-97-percent-says-former-russian-government-adviser/). _Guardian Liberty Voice_. March 25, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140327220839/http://guardianlv.com/2014/03/crimea-referendum-34-percent-not-97-percent-says-former-russian-government-adviser/) from the original on March 27, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
132.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-138 "Jump up")** ["Ukraine Political Attitudes Split, Crimeans Turning to Russian Sources For News"](http://www.bbg.gov/blog/2014/06/03/ukraine-political-attitudes-split-crimeans-turning-to-russian-sources-for-news/). [Broadcasting Board of Governors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcasting_Board_of_Governors "Broadcasting Board of Governors"). June 3, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150923182922/http://www.bbg.gov/blog/2014/06/03/ukraine-political-attitudes-split-crimeans-turning-to-russian-sources-for-news/) from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
133.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-139 "Jump up")** ["BBG and Gallup - Newsgathering and Policy Perceptions in Ukraine"](https://www.bbg.gov/wp-content/media/2014/06/Ukraine-slide-deck.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190726020219/https://www.bbg.gov/wp-content/media/2014/06/Ukraine-slide-deck.pdf) (PDF) from the original on July 26, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
134.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Gallup_140-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Gallup_140-1) ["Contemporary Media Use in Ukraine"](http://www.bbg.gov/wp-content/media/2014/06/Ukraine-research-brief.pdf) (PDF). [Broadcasting Board of Governors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcasting_Board_of_Governors "Broadcasting Board of Governors"). June 3, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150923183045/http://www.bbg.gov/wp-content/media/2014/06/Ukraine-research-brief.pdf) (PDF) from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
135.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-141 "Jump up")** ["Despite Concerns about Governance, Ukrainians Want to Remain One Country"](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/). _Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project_. May 8, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190709195804/https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/) from the original on July 9, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
136.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-142 "Jump up")** ["Despite Concerns about Governance, Ukrainians Want to Remain One Country"](https://www.pewglobal.org/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/). Pew Research Center. May 8, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151001152520/http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/) from the original on October 1, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
137.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-143 "Jump up")** ["The Crimean conundrum"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160722133509/https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/john-o%25E2%2580%2599loughlin-gerard-toal/crimean-conundrum). _openDemocracy_. March 3, 2015. Archived from [the original](https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/john-o%25E2%2580%2599loughlin-gerard-toal/crimean-conundrum) on July 22, 2016. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
138.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-144 "Jump up")** ["GFK Opinion Poll in Crimea, January 2015"](https://orientalreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/GFK_report_FreeCrimea.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201112002832/https://orientalreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/GFK_report_FreeCrimea.pdf) (PDF) from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
139.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-poll_145-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-poll_145-1) Bershidsky, Leonid (February 6, 2015). ["One Year Later, Crimeans Prefer Russia"](http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-06/one-year-later-crimeans-prefer-russia). [Bloomberg News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomberg_News "Bloomberg News"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151027034258/http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-06/one-year-later-crimeans-prefer-russia) from the original on October 27, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
140.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-146 "Jump up")** ["February 2015 VTsIOM public opinion survey of Crimean satisfaction with the 2014 referendum outcome"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150421043605/http://old2.wciom.ru/fileadmin/news/sobytiya/Krblm2015.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://old2.wciom.ru/fileadmin/news/sobytiya/Krblm2015.pdf) (PDF) on April 21, 2015.
141.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-147 "Jump up")** ["The Public Mood in Crimea"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190224203617/https://www.zois-berlin.de/fileadmin/media/Dateien/ZOiS_Reports/ZOiS_Report_3_2017.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://www.zois-berlin.de/fileadmin/media/Dateien/ZOiS_Reports/ZOiS_Report_3_2017.pdf) (PDF) on February 24, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
142.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-148 "Jump up")** ["Overwhelming majority of Crimeans would again vote to "reunite" with Russia, says poll"](https://tass.com/society/1048672). _TASS_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200714155130/https://tass.com/society/1048672) from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
143.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-149 "Jump up")** Toal, Gerard; O'Loughlin, John; Bakke, Kristin M. ["Analysis | Six years and $20 billion in Russian investment later, Crimeans are happy with Russian annexation"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/18/six-years-20-billion-russian-investment-later-crimeans-are-happy-with-russian-annexation/). _The Washington Post_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200715110610/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/18/six-years-20-billion-russian-investment-later-crimeans-are-happy-with-russian-annexation/) from the original on July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
144.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Svyatets_150-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Svyatets_150-1) Svyatets, Ekaterina (2016). [_Energy Security and Cooperation in Eurasia: Power, profits and politics_](https://books.google.com/books?id=9a3hCgAAQBAJ&q=crimea+referendum). Routledge. p. 162. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-138-90261-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-138-90261-9 "Special:BookSources/978-1-138-90261-9"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220208171719/https://books.google.com/books?id=9a3hCgAAQBAJ&q=crimea+referendum) from the original on February 8, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
145.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-151 "Jump up")** ["Crimean Tatar Leader Tells People To Stay At Home, Avoid Confrontations"](http://www.rferl.org/content/crimean-tatar-leader-tells-people-to-stay-at-home-avoid-confrontations/25282669.html). Rferl.org. March 2, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140307021734/http://www.rferl.org/content/crimean-tatar-leader-tells-people-to-stay-at-home-avoid-confrontations/25282669.html) from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
146.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-globeno_152-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-globeno_152-1) [<sup><i><b>c</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-globeno_152-2) [<sup><i><b>d</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-globeno_152-3) De Carbonel, Alissa (March 6, 2014). ["Harper, world leaders reject proposed Crimean referendum"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140309030102/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/crimean-vice-premier-says-referendum-on-status-set-for-march-16-report/article17341409/). _Globe and Mail_. Archived from [the original](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/crimean-vice-premier-says-referendum-on-status-set-for-march-16-report/article17341409/) on March 9, 2014. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
147.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-153 "Jump up")** Talk to Al Jazeera (March 2014). ["Yulia Tymoshenko: 'Kremlin has declared war'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140311091701/http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2014/03/yulia-tymoshenko-kremlin-declared-war-20143715542330860.html). Al Jazeera English. Archived from [the original](http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2014/03/yulia-tymoshenko-kremlin-declared-war-20143715542330860.html) on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
148.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-154 "Jump up")** ["Європа вважає відокремлення Криму від України неприйнятним – Німеччина"](http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25293553.html) \[Europe considers the separation of Crimea from Ukraine unacceptable - Germany\]. _Радіо Свобода_. Radiosvoboda.org. March 11, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140314143042/http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/25293553.html) from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
149.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-155 "Jump up")** ["Ukraine: MEPs call for firm action on Russia to prevent further escalation"](http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20140312STO38705/html/Ukraine-MEPs-call-for-firm-action-on-Russia-to-prevent-further-escalation). Europarl.europa.eu. March 12, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140330080116/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20140312STO38705/html/Ukraine-MEPs-call-for-firm-action-on-Russia-to-prevent-further-escalation) from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
150.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-156 "Jump up")** ["G7 not to recognize Crimea referendum – Xinhua | English.news.cn"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140331184952/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/12/c_126258900.htm). News.xinhuanet.com. March 12, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-03/12/c_126258900.htm) on March 31, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
151.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-UNSC_157-0 "Jump up")** ["Ukraine crisis: Russia isolated in UN Crimea vote"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26595776). _BBC News_. March 15, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140315173752/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26595776) from the original on March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
152.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-UNSC_2_158-0 "Jump up")** ["Unrest in eastern Ukraine risks 'seriously destabilizing' entire country – UN rights official"](https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47601&Cr=ukraine&Cr1=#.U1Ar56x8SNB). [United Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations "United Nations"). April 16, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140421092736/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47601&Cr=ukraine&Cr1=#.U1Ar56x8SNB) from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
153.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Doc_13482_159-0 "Jump up")** [Recent developments in Ukraine: threats to the functioning of democratic institutions (Doc. 13482)](http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/X2H-Xref-ViewPDF.asp?FileID=20712&lang=en) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140425090627/http://assembly.coe.int//nw/xml/XRef/X2H-Xref-ViewPDF.asp?FileID=20712&lang=en) April 25, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Part B, paragraph 82, page 17.
154.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-160 "Jump up")** ["NATO says Crimea referendum would break international law"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-nato-idUSBREA2D1NI20140314). Reuters. March 14, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160307055054/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-nato-idUSBREA2D1NI20140314) from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
155.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-161 "Jump up")** ["Russia's accusations – setting the record straight"](http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_109141.htm?selectedLocale=en). [NATO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO "NATO"). April 12, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145901/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_109141.htm?selectedLocale=en) from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
156.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-162 "Jump up")** ["Crimea referendum 'illegal': Council of Europe panel"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140416183231/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-03-21/news/48438196_1_crimea-venice-commission-referendum). _[The Economic Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Economic_Times "The Economic Times")_. March 21, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-03-21/news/48438196_1_crimea-venice-commission-referendum) on April 16, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
157.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-venice01_163-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-venice01_163-1) ["CDL-AD(2014)002-e Opinion on "whether the decision taken by the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in Ukraine to organise a referendum on becoming a constituent territory of the Russian Federation or restoring Crimea's 1992 constitution is compatible with constitutional principles" adopted by the Venice Commission at its 98th Plenary Session (Venice, 21–22 March 2014)"](http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-AD%282014%29002-e). [Venice Commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice_Commission "Venice Commission"). March 21, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140323194258/http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-AD(2014)002-e) from the original on March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
158.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-164 "Jump up")** Matthew Rosenburg (March 23, 2014). ["Breaking With the West, Afghan Leader Supports Russia's Annexation of Crimea"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/world/asia/breaking-with-the-west-afghan-leader-supports-russias-annexation-of-crimea.html?action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article). _The New York Times_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180315200239/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/world/asia/breaking-with-the-west-afghan-leader-supports-russias-annexation-of-crimea.html?action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article) from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
159.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-165 "Jump up")** [MFA statement on the upcoming referendum in Crimea](http://www.punetejashtme.gov.al/en/press-office/press-releases/mfa-statement-on-the-upcoming-referendum-in-crimea) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140316080800/http://www.punetejashtme.gov.al/en/press-office/press-releases/mfa-statement-on-the-upcoming-referendum-in-crimea) March 16, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 15, 2014
160.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-166 "Jump up")** [MFA statement on referendum in Crimea](http://www.punetejashtme.gov.al/en/press-office/press-releases/mfa-statement-on-referendum-in-crimea) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317194434/http://www.punetejashtme.gov.al/en/press-office/press-releases/mfa-statement-on-referendum-in-crimea) March 17, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 17, 2014
161.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-167 "Jump up")** Ana Clara Pérez Cotten (March 26, 2014). ["Putin coincidió con Cristina en el doble estándar sobre Crimea y las Malvinas"](http://tiempo.infonews.com/2014/03/26/argentina-121252-putin-coincidio-con-cristina-en-el-doble-estandar-sobre-crimea-y-las-malvinas.php) \[Putin agreed with Cristina on the double standard on Crimea and the Falklands\]. InfoNews. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140328135025/http://tiempo.infonews.com/2014/03/26/argentina-121252-putin-coincidio-con-cristina-en-el-doble-estandar-sobre-crimea-y-las-malvinas.php) from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
162.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-168 "Jump up")** ["The answer of Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian to a question by "First news" service"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318193432/http://www.mfa.am/en/interviews/item/2014/03/17/MFA_ukraine_crimea/). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. March 17, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.mfa.am/en/interviews/item/2014/03/17/MFA_ukraine_crimea/) on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
163.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-169 "Jump up")** ["Armenian and Russian presidents say Crimea referendum an example of peoples' right to self-determination"](http://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenian_and_russian_presidents_say_crimea_referendum_an_example_of_peoples_right_to_self_determinat/). _arka.am_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320113110/http://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenian_and_russian_presidents_say_crimea_referendum_an_example_of_peoples_right_to_self_determinat/) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
164.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-170 "Jump up")** ["Today the President of Armenia held a Telephone Conversation with the President of Russia"](http://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2014/03/19/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-conversation-with-the-President-of-Russian-federation/). Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia. March 19, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191106213058/https://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2014/03/19/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-conversation-with-the-President-of-Russian-federation/) from the original on November 6, 2019. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
165.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-171 "Jump up")** ["Sarkisian Backs Crimean Referendum in Phone Call with Putin"](http://asbarez.com/120847/sarkisian-backs-crimean-referendum-in-phone-call-with-putin/). _[Asbarez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbarez "Asbarez")_. March 19, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140321022438/http://asbarez.com/120847/sarkisian-backs-crimean-referendum-in-phone-call-with-putin/) from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
166.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-172 "Jump up")** ["Ukrainian Embassy to Armenia does not comment onTyahnybok's urge to recall Ambassador"](http://armenpress.am/eng/news/754748/ukrainian-embassy-to-armenia-does-not-comment-on-tyahnybok%E2%80%99s-urge-to-recall-ambassador.html). [Armenpress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenpress "Armenpress"). March 20, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140321010008/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/754748/ukrainian-embassy-to-armenia-does-not-comment-on-tyahnybok%E2%80%99s-urge-to-recall-ambassador.html) from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
167.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-173 "Jump up")** Hurst, Daniel (March 19, 2014). ["Australia imposes sanctions on Russia after it 'steals' Crimea from Ukraine"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/19/australia-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-after-it-steals-crimea-from-ukraine). _The Guardian_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220119213826/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/19/australia-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-after-it-steals-crimea-from-ukraine) from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
168.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-174 "Jump up")** [President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko answers questions of mass media representatives on 23 March 2014](http://president.gov.by/en/news_en/view/president-of-the-republic-of-belarus-alexander-lukashenko-answers-questions-of-mass-media-representatives-on-8348/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190610130051/http://president.gov.by/en/news_en/view/president-of-the-republic-of-belarus-alexander-lukashenko-answers-questions-of-mass-media-representatives-on-8348/) June 10, 2019, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). president.gov.by. March 23, 2014.
169.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-175 "Jump up")** Tiezzi, Shannon. ["China Reacts to the Crimea Referendum"](https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/china-reacts-to-the-crimea-referendum/). _thediplomat.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201219062956/https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/china-reacts-to-the-crimea-referendum/) from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
170.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-176 "Jump up")** ["Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Remarks on the Result of Referendum in Crimea"](http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw/s2510/t1138292.shtml). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318062847/http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw/s2510/t1138292.shtml) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
171.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-177 "Jump up")** ["China warns of dangerous Russia sanctions 'spiral'"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-china-idUSBREA2C0PB20140313). _Reuters_. March 13, 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170611083514/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-china-idUSBREA2C0PB20140313) from the original on June 11, 2017. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
172.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-178 "Jump up")** ["Press Releases"](https://um.fi/press-releases). _Ministry for Foreign Affairs_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220222143945/https://um.fi/press-releases) from the original on February 22, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
173.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-179 "Jump up")** ["France Says Russia Sanctions Could Be Imposed This Week"](http://www.rferl.org/content/fabius-russia-sanctions-crimea-ukraine/25292724.html). Rferl.org. March 11, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140315002322/http://www.rferl.org/content/fabius-russia-sanctions-crimea-ukraine/25292724.html) from the original on March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
174.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-cnnind_180-0 "Jump up")** Walsh, Nick (March 12, 2014). ["Ukraine's PM visits U.S. as Crimea heads for vote on joining Russia"](http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/12/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html?hpt=hp_t3). _CNN_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140312202113/http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/12/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html?hpt=hp_t3) from the original on March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014. According to the 1992 Constitution, Crimea is really an independent state.
175.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-181 "Jump up")** ["Tbilisi does not Recognize Crimea Vote"](http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27043). _Civil Georgia_. March 16, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318155230/http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27043) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
176.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-182 "Jump up")** ["Georgian President Condemns 'Illegal Referendum' in Crimea"](http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27045). _Civil Georgia_. March 17, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318152729/http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27045) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
177.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-183 "Jump up")** ["The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary regards changing Crimea's status as unlawful"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140527214110/http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs/news/the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-of-hungary-regards-changing-crimea-s-status-as-unlawful). _Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary_. March 19, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs/news/the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-of-hungary-regards-changing-crimea-s-status-as-unlawful) on May 27, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
178.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-184 "Jump up")** ["Foreign Minister expresses concerns over illegitimate referendum in Crimea"](http://www.mfa.is/news-and-publications/nr/7999). [Ministry for Foreign Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_for_Foreign_Affairs_(Iceland) "Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Iceland)"). March 14, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145725/http://www.mfa.is/news-and-publications/nr/7999) from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
179.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-185 "Jump up")** ["India not to support western sanctions against Russia"](http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-not-to-support-western-sanctions-against-Russia/articleshow/32307749.cms). _The Times of India_. March 19, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011140/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-not-to-support-western-sanctions-against-Russia/articleshow/32307749.cms) from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
180.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-186 "Jump up")** ["Indonesia Rejects Crimean Referendum"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320100059/http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2014/03/20/055563862,uk.html/Indonesia-Rejects-Crimean-Referendum). _Tempo_. March 19, 2014. Archived from [the original](https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2014/03/20/055563862,uk.html/Indonesia-Rejects-Crimean-Referendum) on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
181.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-187 "Jump up")** ["Japan imposes sanctions on Russia over Crimea"](http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/586678/japan-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-over-crimea). _[Philippine Daily Inquirer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Daily_Inquirer "Philippine Daily Inquirer")_. March 16, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318091709/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/586678/japan-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-over-crimea) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
182.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-188 "Jump up")** ["Japan does not recognise Crimea vote – govt spokesman"](https://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-japan-idUST9N0M101J20140317). _Reuters_. March 17, 2014.
183.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-189 "Jump up")** ["Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Kazakhstan"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171228143721/http://www.mfa.gov.kz/en#!/news/article/13803). Archived from [the original](http://mfa.gov.kz/en/#!/news/article/13803) on December 28, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
184.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-190 "Jump up")** ["Kyrgyzstan Says Yanukovych Not Ukrainian President"](http://www.rferl.org/content/kyrgyzstan-says-yanukovych-not-ukrainian-president/25293560.html). Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. March 11, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185630/http://www.rferl.org/content/kyrgyzstan-says-yanukovych-not-ukrainian-president/25293560.html) from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
185.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-191 "Jump up")** ["Kyrgyzstan Recognizes Crimea Referendum Results"](http://en.ria.ru/world/20140320/188606372/Kyrgyzstan-Recognizes-Crimea-Referendum-Results.html). _RIA Novosti_. March 20, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140322131930/http://en.ria.ru/world/20140320/188606372/Kyrgyzstan-Recognizes-Crimea-Referendum-Results.html) from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
186.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-192 "Jump up")** ["Crimea referendum illegal and illegitimate"](http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/whats-new/news/2014/illegal_referendum.html?id=753120). [Ministry of Foreign Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Foreign_Affairs_(Norway) "Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway)"). March 14, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125442/http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/whats-new/news/2014/illegal_referendum.html?id=753120) from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
187.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-193 "Jump up")** ["DFA Statement on the Crimea"](https://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/2013-06-27-21-50-36/dfa-releases/2356-dfa-statement-on-the-crimea). [Department of Foreign Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_Foreign_Affairs_(Philippines) "Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines)"). March 18, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318122315/https://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/2013-06-27-21-50-36/dfa-releases/2356-dfa-statement-on-the-crimea) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
188.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-194 "Jump up")** Ministry of Foreign Affairs, [Poland among leaders of expert support for Ukraine](http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/news/press_office/poland_among_leaders_of_expert_support_for_ukraine) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140408231857/http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/news/press_office/poland_among_leaders_of_expert_support_for_ukraine) April 8, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") April 1, 2014.
189.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-195 "Jump up")** ["Băsescu: Romania will NOT recognize the Crimean referendum results"](http://www.mediafax.ro/politic/basescu-romania-nu-va-recunoaste-rezultatele-referendumului-din-crimeea-12274582). Mediafax. March 16, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317122139/http://www.mediafax.ro/politic/basescu-romania-nu-va-recunoaste-rezultatele-referendumului-din-crimeea-12274582) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
190.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-196 "Jump up")** ["Titus Corlăţean, about the Crimean referendum: the result will not be recognized by the democratic international community"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317111614/http://ro.stiri.yahoo.com/titus-corl%C4%83%C5%A3ean-despre-referendumul-din-crimeea-rezultatele-nu-101510533.html). Digi24. March 16, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://ro.stiri.yahoo.com/titus-corl%C4%83%C5%A3ean-despre-referendumul-din-crimeea-rezultatele-nu-101510533.html) on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
191.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-BBC1_197-0 "Jump up")** ["As it happened: Pressure on Russia"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26481558). _BBC News_. March 6, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140309091932/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26481558) from the original on March 9, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
192.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-PUTIN_198-0 "Jump up")** Dahlburg, John-Thor (March 10, 2014). ["Putin defends referendum on secession in Crimea"](http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/mar/10/putin-defends-referendum-on-secession-in-crimea/). _The Spokesman-Review_. Associated Press. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140310183009/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/mar/10/putin-defends-referendum-on-secession-in-crimea/) from the original on March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
193.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-199 "Jump up")** ["Mustafa Jemilev talked with Vladimir Putin on the phone"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150501193122/http://qha.com.ua/mustafa-jemilev-talked-with-vladimir-putin-on-the-phone-130831en.html). Crimean News Agency. March 12, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://qha.com.ua/mustafa-jemilev-talked-with-vladimir-putin-on-the-phone-130831en.html) on May 1, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
194.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-200 "Jump up")** ["Putin signs decree recognising Crimea as sovereign and independent state"](http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724037). _TASS_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318021357/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724037) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
195.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-201 "Jump up")** ["Russian lawmakers issue statement on situation in Crimea"](http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724114). _TASS_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318134635/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724114) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
196.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-202 "Jump up")** ["Moscow mayor congratulates Crimea residents on decision to join Russia"](http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724053). TASS. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318031944/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724053) from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
197.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-203 "Jump up")** ["MSP ne može da komentariše Ukrajinu"](http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2014&mm=03&dd=20&nav_category=11&nav_id=826264) \[The ICJ cannot comment on Ukraine\]. _B92_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320210848/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2014&mm=03&dd=20&nav_category=11&nav_id=826264) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
198.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-204 "Jump up")** ["Seoul refuses to recognize Russia's Crimea annexation"](http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140319001413). _The Korea Herald_. March 19, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210301015831/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140319001413) from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
199.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-205 "Jump up")** ["No: 86, 17 March 2014, Press Release Regarding the Referendum held in Crimea"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140318192244/http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-86_-17-march-2014_-press-release-regarding-the-referendum-held-in-crimea.en.mfa). [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Foreign_Affairs_(Turkey) "Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)"). March 17, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-86_-17-march-2014_-press-release-regarding-the-referendum-held-in-crimea.en.mfa) on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
200.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-206 "Jump up")** ["Turkey will continue to protect Crimean Tatars' rights, says Davutoğlu"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140314083524/http://www.todayszaman.com//news-341491-turkey-will-continue-to-protect-crimean-tatars-rights-says-davutoglu.html). _Today's Zaman_. March 7, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.todayszaman.com/news-341491-turkey-will-continue-to-protect-crimean-tatars-rights-says-davutoglu.html) on March 14, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
201.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-207 "Jump up")** ["Ukraine to block Crimea's referendum decision"](http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/297794--ukraine-to-block-crimeas-referendum-decision). Anadolu Agency. March 6, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140307022822/http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/297794--ukraine-to-block-crimeas-referendum-decision) from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
202.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-208 "Jump up")** ["David Cameron: Russia may face EU sanctions within days"](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26517583). _BBC News_. March 10, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140313092347/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26517583) from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
203.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-209 "Jump up")** ["UK will not recognise referendum in Crimea"](http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/299231--uk-will-not-recognise-referendum-in-crimea). Anadolu Agency. March 10, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140311034839/http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/299231--uk-will-not-recognise-referendum-in-crimea) from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
204.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-210 "Jump up")** Sengupta, Kim (March 17, 2014). ["Crimea crisis: Foreign leaders condemn 'Russia's destabilising actions' as 93% vote in referendum for secession"](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/crimea-crisis-foreign-leaders-condemn-russias-destabilising-actions-as-93-vote-in-referendum-for-secession-9195939.html). _The Independent_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317032805/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/crimea-crisis-foreign-leaders-condemn-russias-destabilising-actions-as-93-vote-in-referendum-for-secession-9195939.html) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
205.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-211 "Jump up")** ["US not recognizing any results of Crimean referendum – Pyatt"](http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/195203.html). En.interfax.com.ua. October 20, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140313031210/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/195203.html) from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
206.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-212 "Jump up")** ["Peaceful solutions to Crimea, Sevastopol issue"](http://news.chinhphu.vn/Home/Peaceful-solutions-to-Crimea-Sevastopol-issue/20143/20595.vgp). March 21, 2014. [Archived](https://archive.today/20140322070237/http://news.chinhphu.vn/Home/Peaceful-solutions-to-Crimea-Sevastopol-issue/20143/20595.vgp) from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
207.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Sokhumi,_Tskhinvali_213-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Sokhumi,_Tskhinvali_213-1) ["Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Recognize Crimea Vote"](http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27044). _Civil Georgia_. March 17, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200807171843/https://old.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27044) from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
208.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-214 "Jump up")** ["Karabakh Recognizes Crimea"](https://archive.today/20140317172319/http://asbarez.com/120687/karabakh-recognizes-crimea/). _[Asbarez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbarez "Asbarez")_. March 17, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://asbarez.com/120687/karabakh-recognizes-crimea/) on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
209.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-215 "Jump up")** Musayelyan, Lusine. ["Ղարաբաղում տոնական համերգով ողջունում են Ղրիմի ինքնորոշումը"](http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25301545.html) \[Crimea's self-determination celebrated in Karabakh ('Karabakh welcomes Crimean self-determination with a festive concert')\] (in Armenian). [Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Free_Europe/Radio_Liberty "Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty") Armenian Service. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320133225/http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25301545.html) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
210.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-216 "Jump up")** ["Moldova's Trans-Dniester region pleads to join Russia"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26627236). _BBC News_. March 18, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180803050413/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26627236) from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
211.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-217 "Jump up")** Giannangeli, Marco (June 1, 2014). ["Nigel Farage is another of Moscow's darlings as Putin backs Right"](http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/479532/Nigel-Farage-is-another-of-Moscow-s-darlings-as-Putin-backs-Right). _Sunday Express_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140601063437/http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/479532/Nigel-Farage-is-another-of-Moscow-s-darlings-as-Putin-backs-Right) from the original on June 1, 2014. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
212.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-218 "Jump up")** Riedl, Joachim (April 10, 2015). ["Rechtspopulismus in Österreich: Ausgrenzen genügt nicht"](http://www.zeit.de/2015/15/rechtspopulismus-oesterreich-fpoe) \[Right-wing populism in Austria: exclusion is not enough\]. _Die Zeit_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150711182552/http://www.zeit.de/2015/15/rechtspopulismus-oesterreich-fpoe) from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
213.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-219 "Jump up")** Higgins, Andrew (May 20, 2014). ["Far-Right Fever for a Europe Tied to Russia"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/world/europe/europes-far-right-looks-to-russia-as-a-guiding-force.html?_r=0). _The New York Times_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140527023449/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/world/europe/europes-far-right-looks-to-russia-as-a-guiding-force.html?_r=0) from the original on May 27, 2014. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
214.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-220 "Jump up")** Harding, Luke; Walker, Shaun (March 17, 2014). ["Crimea applies to be part of Russian Federation after vote to leave Ukraine"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/ukraine-crimea-russia-referendum-complain-result). _The Guardian_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317155844/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/17/ukraine-crimea-russia-referendum-complain-result) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
215.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-221 "Jump up")** ["Путин подписал указ о признании Крыма независимым государством"](http://ria.ru/politics/20140317/999910739.html) \[Putin signed a decree recognizing Crimea as an independent state\]. [RIA Novosti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIA_Novosti "RIA Novosti"). March 17, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140317224321/http://ria.ru/politics/20140317/999910739.html) from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
216.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Treaty_222-0 "Jump up")** ["Договор между Российской Федерацией и Республикой Крым о принятии в Российскую Федерацию Республики Крым и образовании в составе Российской Федерации новых субъектов"](http://kremlin.ru/news/20605) \[Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Crimea on the admission of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation and the formation of new subjects within the Russian Federation\]. Kremlin. March 18, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320160611/http://www.kremlin.ru/news/20605) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
217.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-223 "Jump up")** ["Russian Federation Council ratifies treaty on Crimea's entry to Russia"](http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724749). [ITAR TASS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITAR_TASS "ITAR TASS"). March 21, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141124181441/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724749) from the original on November 24, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
218.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-224 "Jump up")** Anatoliy Pronin. ["A treaty of accession of the Republic of Crimea and Sebastopol to the Russian Federation. Unofficial English translation with little commentary"](https://www.academia.edu/6481091). Academia.edu. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220208182718/https://www.academia.edu/6481091) from the original on February 8, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
219.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-225 "Jump up")** ["Ukraine orders Crimea troop withdrawal as Russia seizes naval base"](https://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/24/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/). CNN. March 24, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140324201338/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/24/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/) from the original on March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
220.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-unpoTimeline_226-0 "Jump up")** ["Timeline: Escalation of The Crisis in Crimea"](https://unpo.org/article/17122). _[UNPO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNPO "UNPO")_. November 2, 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
221.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-Washington_Post_227-0 "Jump up")** Ilya Somin (May 6, 2014). ["Russian government agency reveals fraudulent nature of the Crimean referendum results"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/05/06/russian-government-agency-reveals-fraudulent-nature-of-the-crimean-referendum-results/). _The Washington Post_.
222.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-News_228-0 "Jump up")** Rainsford, Sarah (August 25, 2015). ["Ukraine crisis: Crimean Tatars uneasy under Russia rule"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34042938). _BBC News_. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
223.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-229 "Jump up")** [Крымским татарам запретили митинговать](http://www.gazeta.ru/politics/2014/05/17_a_6037401.shtml) \[Crimean Tatars have been banned from holding protest rallies\]. _gazeta.ru_ (in Russian). May 17, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
224.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-ft_230-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-ft_230-1) Hille, Katherine (May 18, 2014). ["Crimean Tatars defy ban on rallies to commemorate deportation"](https://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/93ded53c-de99-11e3-b46b-00144feabdc0.html). _Financial Times_. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
225.  ^ [Jump up to: <sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-reut_231-0) [<sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup>](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-reut_231-1) Winning, Alexander (May 18, 2014). ["Crimean Tatars commemorate Soviet deportation despite ban"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-crimea-tatars-idUSBREA4H06S20140518). _Reuters_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140518215141/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/18/us-ukraine-crisis-crimea-tatars-idUSBREA4H06S20140518) from the original on May 18, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
226.  **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum#cite_ref-bbc2_232-0 "Jump up")** ["Crimea helicopters try to disrupt Tatar rallies"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27461159). _BBC News_. May 18, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2014.