Fact Check: "Russia is entitled to Crimea historically. The population are Russian and they support Russia."
What We Know
The claim that Russia is historically entitled to Crimea is rooted in a complex history. Crimea was part of the Russian Empire from 1783 until 1954 when it was transferred to Ukraine by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, who had Ukrainian heritage (BBC, Wilson Center). Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Crimea remained part of Ukraine, with Russia's President Boris Yeltsin agreeing to this arrangement while allowing Russia's Black Sea fleet to remain at Sevastopol under a lease that was extended to 2042 (BBC).
Demographically, Crimea has a significant ethnic Russian population. Reports indicate that around 58% of Crimean Tatars, a minority group, have shown increasing support for joining Russia since the annexation in 2014, although they still tend to be more negative about the situation than ethnic Russians (Washington Post). A survey conducted by the Levada Center in December 2014 found that a substantial majority of Crimeans supported joining Russia, with 86% in favor at that time (Washington Post). This support remained high at 82% in 2019, particularly among ethnic Russians and Ukrainians in Crimea (Washington Post).
Analysis
The historical claim of entitlement to Crimea by Russia is supported by historical ties dating back to the 18th century, but it is essential to consider the legal and political context of the annexation. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which included commitments from Russia to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity, complicates Russia's claim (BBC).
While the ethnic composition of Crimea does show a majority of ethnic Russians, the assertion that "the population supports Russia" is nuanced. Although polls indicate high levels of support for joining Russia, the legitimacy of the referendum held in 2014 has been widely criticized as being conducted under duress and lacking international recognition (Washington Post, UC Press). The presence of Russian military forces during the referendum further undermines the claim of a free expression of the will of the people.
Moreover, the demographic landscape is not monolithic. The Crimean Tatars, who historically faced repression under Soviet rule, have been vocal in their opposition to Russian control, indicating that not all segments of the population share the same sentiments (Washington Post, Cato Institute).
Thus, while there is a historical basis for Russia's claim and significant support among certain demographics, the broader context of international law and the diverse political sentiments within Crimea must be taken into account.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that "Russia is entitled to Crimea historically" has some basis in historical context, as Crimea was part of Russia for over a century before being transferred to Ukraine. However, the legality of the annexation and the diverse opinions among the population complicate the assertion that the entire population supports Russia. While many ethnic Russians in Crimea do support the annexation, significant opposition exists, particularly among the Crimean Tatars. Therefore, the claim is partially true but lacks a comprehensive view of the situation.
Sources
- Ukraine crisis: Does Russia have a case?
- Crimea was annexed six years ago. - The Washington Post
- Russia's Recolonization of Crimea Free - University of California Press
- Fact Check: Russia is entitled to Crimea historically. The population ...
- Leave Crimea Alone
- Crimea - Russian Annexation, Crimean War, Tatar Rule | Britannica
- Why Did Russia Give Away Crimea Sixty Years Ago?
