Putin spoke about the decision-making on the referendum in Crimea

The decision to ensure the holding of a referendum in Crimea in 2014 was made to prevent the development of events similar to those that happened in the Donbass. This was announced on the air of the Russia-24 TV channel (quoted by RIA Novosti) by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the annexation of the peninsula to Russia.

“When we consistently and rather toughly acted in Crimea, I proceeded from the assumption that such tragic events that we are witnessing in Donbass today are possible. And precisely in order to prevent such a development of events, we were forced to take the necessary steps to ensure the free expression of the will of the inhabitants of Crimea, ”the president said.

A referendum on the status of Crimea took place on March 16, 2014. On March 18, the peninsula became part of the Russian Federation, two Russian subjects were formed on its territory: the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol. Ukraine and Western countries did not recognize the holding of the referendum and accused Russia of annexing the territory.

About the positions of the parties – in the article “Kommersant” “Three whales swim up to the Crimea.”

Сообщение Putin spoke about the decision-making on the referendum in Crimea появились сначала на supercar.ru.