Russia and Crimea. Three years after reunification. In response to the bloody coup d'etat in Kiev, March 16, 2014, a referendum was held in Crimea, during which 97% of the peninsula's residents voted for Crimea's accession into Russia as a constituent member.
On March 18th, in the Kremlin, Putin announced: Dear members of the Federation Council! Dear deputies of the State Duma! Dear representatives of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, they are here among us! Citizens of Russia, residents of Crimea and Sevastopol!
Today, based on the results of the referendum held in Crimea, based on the will of the people, I am submitting to the Federation Council, and I ask to consider the Constitutional Law on the accession of two new constituent members to the Russian Federation: the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. And also to ratify the Accession Treaty of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation, prepared for signing. I do not doubt your support! Immediately, the signing of the Accession Treaty of Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation took place. Watch these, already historical today, shots.
The agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Crimea on the accession of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation, and the formation of two new constituent territories within the Russian Federation. In Russian society, the event caused an unprecedented surge of patriotism and pride in the country. "The Crimean Consensus" pulled together people of different political views, education, and income level. Despite the difficulties that Russia faced later, the sanctions and general hysteria in the West, the overwhelming majority of Russians still believe that everything was done right. A grand rally-concert was held on March 18 in Moscow.
During the day, it was attended by 150,000 people. On-stage performance groups and politicians performed there. Three years ago in March, when a coup, which removed the legally elected government, took place in Ukraine, Crimeans expressed their views. And, of course, the Russian President's will, the will of the people of Russia, the will of those present here, allowed this historical event to take place. Crimea was, is, and will be Russian. There is no other way. And today, we thank the Crimeans, who three years ago showed courage and will, had their say, that they are Russians, and that they want to live in Russia. If someone will try to dispute this, we will tell them all: the Russia flag will wave over Crimea forever and ever. And no one will ever dare touch it. In the evening, there were fireworks.
