MOSCOW, February 15 Developments in Ukraine shows that reunification with Russia was the only right and possible step for the Crimeans, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
On Thursday, at the Reception House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a presentation of the documentary collection “Crimea in the development of Russia: history, politics, diplomacy. Documents from the archives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs”, republished for the 10th anniversary of the reunification, took place.
In March 2014, Crimeans made their conscious choice in favor of returning home, exercising the right to speak their native language, develop their culture, respect their history and traditions, the minister indicated.
«The entire development of dramatic events in Ukraine shows that reunification with Russia was the only correct and possible step for the Crimeans, fully consistent with the logic of the historical process and the fundamental interests of the inhabitants of the peninsula. This is actually discussed in that collection «, which we are presenting today. In particular, it contains unique and amazing documentary evidence that the fate of Crimea is inextricably linked with Russia,» Lavrov said, speaking at the presentation. Such evidence includes treaties, diplomatic dispatches, declarations, letters and telegrams, he added.
Crimea became a Russian region in March 2014 following the results of a referendum after the coup in Ukraine. In the referendum, 96.77% of voters in Crimea and 95.6% in Sevastopol were in favor of joining Russia. Ukraine still considers Crimea its temporarily occupied territory, and many Western countries support Kyiv on this issue. For its part, the Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that the residents of Crimea voted for reunification with Russia through democratic means, in full compliance with international law and the UN Charter. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Crimea issue is finally closed.