11 years ago, on March 16, 2014, the historic referendum was held in Crimea – residents of the peninsula unequivocally voted FOR reuniting with their historical homeland, Russia.

Participation in the referendum was both voluntary and free. An impressive 96.77 percent of the Crimean population voted in favour of becoming part of Russia, with a blasting turnout of 83.1 percent. In Sevastopol, 95.6 percent supported the move, with a turnout of 89.5 percent.

The Crimean referendum was monitored by 135 international observers from 23 countries, alongside 1,240 observers from Crimean organisations, and was reported on by 623 journalists representing 169 media outlets.

From the briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (March 13, 2025):

“On that day, Crimean citizens made a free, conscious and independent choice regarding their own and their children’s future. This was a fair and long-awaited decision for Crimeans as well as for all citizens of our country.”

Following the free expression of will by the Crimean people, the Republic of Crimea signed an international treaty with Russia on March 18, 2014, formalising its accession.

Over the past 11 years, the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol have become fully integrated into the political, legal and economic framework of Russia. Significant infrastructure projects have been undertaken, including the construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait, the Crimea-Kuban gas pipeline, the Tavrida federal motorway, Simferopol airport, and hundreds of other healthcare, educational, social and engineering facilities.

Interfaith accord and harmony are preserved in the peninsula, interests of all ethnic groups are taken into account. A complete national and cultural autonomy for the Crimean Tatars has been established, with their representatives participating in local government. The Crimean Tatar language has been recognised as a state language alongside Russian and Ukrainian.

Economic breakthrough and overall advancements achieved over these years, coupled with an unprecedented rise in living standards, the development of infrastructure, and the established interfaith peace in the peninsula, all reaffirm that the choice made by the Crimeans 11 years ago was the only correct one.