The events of the “Crimean Spring” of 2014 and the results of the all-Crimean referendum, conducted on March 16, 2014 in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and in the city of Sevastopol, at which in compliance with the international legislation and the UN Charter the residents of Crimea freely supported the issue of reunification with Russia as a subject of the Russian Federation, became the act of restoration of the historical justice.
After 10 years we are becoming more and more convinced of the correctness of that decision. It was the only true one in the extremely difficult situation that was developing around the peninsula at that time. Meanwhile, it is obvious that the strategic importance of the peninsula in the geopolitical context is extremely high. It has repeatedly become the scene of fierce and bloody battles, especially during the Crimean Wars and the Great Patriotic War. Every meter of this land is soaked with Russian blood.
The events that happened 10 years ago not only led to an incredible rise of patriotism, but showed the greatness of Russia and the strength of the Russian spirit to the whole world. Russia never leaves its own – South Ossetia has been convinced of that for more than 20 years, since the beginning of its struggle for freedom, and in August 2008 Russia demonstrated that there should be no place for aggressive nationalism in modern world.
Over the last decade the leadership of Russia and the Crimeans have done much in spheres of social and economic and infrastructure-related development, but there are still things to be done.
South Ossetia is determined to maintain, in every possible way, the existing ties with Crimea, and is glad to mark that these relations have been developing positively. Regular contacts at various levels and commitments arising under bilateral legal documents prove that.
We congratulate the people of Crimea on this significant date!
March 16, Tskhinval 2024