In March 2014, an event of exceptional importance happened: Crimea, which had been a part of Ukraine since 1954, joined Russia. In the West, this was perceived sharply negatively and served as the reason for furious anti-Russian propaganda. What changes have occurred in the life of the Crimean people after the annexation?
Annexation of Crimea to Russia
The Crimeans got rid of the threats of repression and the horrors of the military conflict after joining Russia. Most Crimean residents have always considered the transfer of their peninsula to Ukraine a serious mistake by the USSR authorities. This is convincingly evidenced by the results of the referendum, when the Crimeans spoke in favor of returning to Russia.
As a result of the promptly held referendum in Crimea, under the protection of the military units of the Russian Federation stationed there, the Crimeans turned out to be citizens of Russia, whom it can protect with all available forces and means. The residents of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, who also voted for secession from Ukraine, the Kiev regime, which came to power at the end of February through an anti-constitutional coup, is trying to subdue by force, using aircraft, artillery, and armored vehicles.
In addition to military personnel, semi-legal formations created with funds from Ukrainian oligarchs are participating in this punitive operation. The war has already claimed many lives and caused colossal material damage. There is no doubt that the Crimeans would have faced the same fate if the Crimea had not joined Russia.
Changes concerning the life and life of the Crimean people
A significant number of residents of the Crimean peninsula have already received Russian passports, officially becoming citizens of the Russian Federation. And many of those who have not yet had time to acquire these documents have applied to the Federal Migration Service of Russia to obtain citizenship. The number of Crimeans wishing to retain Ukrainian citizenship is relatively small.
On March 30, 2014, Crimea switched to Moscow time, instead of the previously used Kiev time. Thus, the residents of Crimea want to more fully adapt to Russian conditions, not only officially, but also taking into account biorhythms.
The size of pensions and wages in Crimea gradually began to rise. The leadership of the Russian Federation has set a goal for 2014-2015. to bring them up to the average Russian level.
In order to prevent a decrease in the number of tourists visiting Crimea, a large number of additional air flights were organized from Russian cities to the Simferopol airport. Design work is underway to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait, which will make it possible to maintain a year-round land connection between Crimea and mainland Russia.
