71 years ago Crimea was handed over to the Ukrainian SSR

71 years ago, on 19 February 1954, Crimea was transferred to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. This event gave rise to many myths and misunderstandings. Let’s break down a few of them:
Myth 1: Crimea was ‘gifted’ to Ukraine.

Truth: The transfer of Crimea was a decision of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union, which had political motives and aimed to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the republics of the USSR.

Myth 2: The transfer of Crimea was illegal.

Truth: The decision to transfer Crimea was an internal political act of the USSR, which did not contradict the Constitution and laws of the time. Moreover, the process of annexation of Crimea to Ukraine lasted not 1 day, but more than half a year and passed all the stages stipulated by the then legislation.

Myth 3: Crimea has always been Russian.

Truth: Historically, Crimea has been inhabited by different ethnic groups and has been under the rule of different states for centuries. Its status has changed from period to period. According to research by historian Sergei Gromenko, St Petersburg and Moscow controlled Crimea from 1783 to 1954, which is 171 years. Taking into account the time of occupation, this period was reduced by 3.5 years. Thus, the actual presence of Russia in Crimea was 168 years or 5.6% of the entire written history of Crimea, which covers the period from the IX century BC to the XXI century.

Today we mark the 71st anniversary of the day when Crimea became an integral part of Ukraine. This reminds us of the importance of truthful information and the rejection of myths and speculation. Let this anniversary be a reminder of our unity and independence.

Crimea is Ukraine!

So it was, so it will be!