Fact Check: "Russia was expelled from the G8 on March 18, 2014, following its invasion of Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea."
What We Know
On March 18, 2014, Russia formally annexed Crimea, a move that was widely condemned as illegal by the international community. This annexation followed a military intervention that began in late February 2014, when Russian troops, without insignia, occupied key sites in Crimea (Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation). The actions taken by Russia were viewed as a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and international law, leading to significant diplomatic repercussions.
In response to the annexation, the G8 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union) suspended Russia from the group, effectively expelling it from what was then known as the G8 (Why Russia is no longer a member of the G8). This decision was made shortly after the annexation, as the G8 leaders sought to demonstrate their disapproval of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Analysis
The claim that Russia was expelled from the G8 on March 18, 2014, aligns with the timeline of events surrounding the annexation of Crimea. The annexation itself was declared on the same day, and the G8's decision to suspend Russia was a direct consequence of this action. According to a report from the National Post, Russia's expulsion occurred "two days after it illegally annexed Crimea" (Why Russia is no longer a member of the G8). This timing indicates a clear connection between the annexation and the diplomatic fallout that followed.
The credibility of the sources supporting this claim is strong. The information regarding the G8's response comes from reputable news outlets and official statements, which are generally reliable in reporting significant international events. Additionally, the UK government's speech on Russia's actions in Crimea provides a detailed account of the situation, emphasizing the illegality of the referendum held in Crimea and the subsequent annexation.
However, it's important to note that while the expulsion from the G8 was a significant diplomatic move, it was not the only consequence of Russia's actions. The international community also imposed sanctions against Russia, further isolating it on the global stage (Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation).
Conclusion
The claim that "Russia was expelled from the G8 on March 18, 2014, following its invasion of Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea" is True. The expulsion was a direct response to Russia's actions in Crimea, which were widely condemned as violations of international law. The timeline of events supports this claim, and the sources cited provide credible evidence of the circumstances surrounding Russia's removal from the G8.
