Just a tad, Sir Wizard ...
In the interest of disinformation control ... the following brief historically correct synopsis is proffered. Sourced from a generic Grok request for information:
The 1997 Partition Treaty between Ukraine and Russia formalized the division of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet and allowed Russia to lease naval facilities in Sevastopol until 2017 (later extended to 2042). This treaty acknowledged Crimea as Ukrainian territory.
Crimea remained stable under Ukrainian control, though pro-Russian sentiment persisted, especially in Sevastopol.
International Recognition: Crimea was universally recognized as part of Ukraine, including by Russia, under agreements like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, where Russia, the U.S., and the UK guaranteed Ukraine’s territorial integrity in exchange for its denuclearization.
Control: Ukraine (as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea).
2014–Present: Russia (De Facto Control, Disputed)
Context: In February–March 2014, following Ukraine’s Euromaidan protests and the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, Russia intervened in Crimea, leading to its annexation. This marked a dramatic shift in control, driven by Russia’s strategic interests (e.g., securing the Black Sea Fleet) and claims of protecting ethnic Russians.
Details:
February 2014: Unmarked Russian troops (“little green men”) and local pro-Russian militias seized key infrastructure in Crimea, including government buildings and airports, following a Russian-backed declaration of independence by the Crimean parliament.
March 16, 2014: A controversial referendum, held under Russian military presence, reported 96.77% of Crimeans voting to join Russia (with 95.6% turnout). The referendum was widely criticized as illegitimate by Ukraine and most of the international community due to coercion and lack of independent oversight.
...
Control: Russia (de facto, as the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol); Ukraine (de jure [meaning BY LAW - INTERNATIONAL LAW], as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol).
And so die-eth the rant of Charlie Kirk and the assertion of 'mere ceremonial ownership of Crimea by Ukraine.'
BOTTOM LINE: CRIMEA is STILL INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED as BELONGING TO .... U K R A I N E.
As to the 60% of the population being 'ethnic' RUSSIAN - Really ? A few questions about that issue ...
How many Ukrainians were 'exported' OUT of Crimea to
'other countries (eg. Russia)' ?
How many Russians were imported to Crimea FROM Russia ? (remember the ole Soviet term - Russification ?)
How many Ukrainians in Crimea were KILLED BY SOVIET RUSSIA during the HISTORICALLY DOCUMENTED genocide of OVER ONE MILLION UKRANIANS by starvation ?
What about the 40% of the CRIMEAN POPULATION that are NOT 'ethnic Russians' - oh yeah - let's see - I fergits ... DEMOCRACY - decried by the USA founders as being mob rule - The Tyranny of the majority ?
Seems to me Zelensky is on pretty solid ground with his HISTORICALLY accurate position on CRIMEA - one that has Extremely BROAD International recognition.
Once again the RUSSIANS have been shown to be violating every single Treaty and MOU (memorandum of understanding) to which they put their signature.
And the great MAJORITY OF THE WORLD agrees.
Yeah, Charlie Kirk and President Trump need to STAND DOWN on this issue.
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