In Photos: Russia Marks 10 Years of Crimea Annexation
Ten years ago on March 18, 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine after sending special forces onto the peninsula in unmarked uniforms and staging a referendum deemed illegitimate by Kyiv and the West.
The strategic Black Sea peninsula is recognized as part of Ukraine by the international community.
These events marked the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War. The Kremlin used the annexation as a propaganda win, and the move caused President Vladimir Putin's popularity ratings to surge.
Since 2022, Crimea has been used as a launching pad and supply route for Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It has faced a number of drone attacks and bridge explosions during the war.
Here are photos from the 10-year anniversary events in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Crimea itself:
The strategic Black Sea peninsula is recognized as part of Ukraine by the international community.
These events marked the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War. The Kremlin used the annexation as a propaganda win, and the move caused President Vladimir Putin's popularity ratings to surge.
Since 2022, Crimea has been used as a launching pad and supply route for Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It has faced a number of drone attacks and bridge explosions during the war.
Here are photos from the 10-year anniversary events in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Crimea itself:
Actors in period costumes during a rally and concert on Red Square marking the 10th anniversary of Crimea's annexation.
Mikhail Tereshchenko / TASS
President Vladimir Putin and fellow presidential candidates Leonid Slutsky, Nikolai Kharitonov and Vladislav Davankov on stage at the concert rally on Red Square.
kremlin.ru
People attend a rally and concert in Red Square.
According to media reports, employees at state agencies and companies were ordered to attend the rally.
According to media reports, employees at state agencies and companies were ordered to attend the rally.
Mikhail Tereshchenko / TASS
Vladimir Mashkov, artistic director of Oleg Tabakov Theater, Maryana Lysenko, chief doctor of Hospital No. 52, and Artem Zhoga, head of the People's Council of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, on stage at the rally on Red Square.
Mikhail Tereshchenko / TASS
Putin hailed the "return" of Ukrainian territories to Russia during a concert marking 10 years since his country annexed Crimea — a step seen by many as a precursor to the 2022 full-scale offensive.
Kirill Zykov, RIA Novosti / kremlin.ru
Law enforcement officers stand guard outside the Kremlin during the concert on Red Square.
AFP
People attend a rally and a concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea in St. Petersburg.
Olga Maltseva / AFP
A monument to "polite people," also known as "little green men," the unmarked Russian forces who entered Crimea and seized strategic sites in February 2014, in the Square of the Republic near the State Council of Crimea in Simferopol.
Sergei Malgavko / TASS
A 28-meter Russian flag in the shape of a "V," a pro-invasion symbol, hangs from the Cape of Ai-Todor near the Swallow's Nest castle in Gaspra, Crimea.
Yalta City Administration
People take photos near a map of Crimea on Lenin Square in Simferopol.
Sergei Malgavko / TASS
