Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Every year on January 20, Russia celebrates an important date: the Day of the Republic of Crimea.
This holiday is associated with the first Crimean referendum and was established in 2009, and after the peninsula returned to Russia in 2014, it was enshrined in the corresponding regional law.
History of the peninsula
The Crimean peninsula has a rich history, much of which is connected with Russia.
In the first centuries of the Common Era, Crimea was part of the Roman Empire. From the 8th century onward, this territory was divided between the Byzantine Empire and the Khazar Empire. In 1478, Crimea came under the control of the Ottoman Empire, becoming a major base for raids on Russia.
After the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774, which ended in victory for the Russian side, Crimea was declared an independent territory, and in 1783, Empress Catherine II issued a manifesto on the annexation of the peninsula to Russia.
Subsequently, the Crimean Peninsula repeatedly became a theater of military operations. Its defenders distinguished themselves during the Crimean War (1853–1856) and the First World War.
In 1921, the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was formed and became part of the RSFSR. However, after the Great Patriotic War, its status was changed to that of an oblast. And in 1954, First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee Nikita Khrushchev signed a decree transferring Crimea to the Ukrainian SSR.
First referendum: return of autonomy
Discussions about restoring Crimea's autonomy began in the 1980s, fueled by the economic situation, the return of indigenous peoples from deportation, the establishment of Ukrainian as the sole state language, the development of the environmental movement, and other factors.
As a result, on January 20, 1991, a referendum was held on the restoration of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR).
On this day, in response to the question "Are you in favor of re-establishing the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic as a subject of the USSR and a party to the Union Treaty?", over 93% of Crimeans voted in favor of restoring Crimean autonomy. Recognizing the will of the people, on February 12, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR adopted the Law "On the Restoration of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic."
Second referendum: returning home
On March 16, 2014, a referendum was held in Crimea. Two questions were posed: "Do you support the reunification of Crimea with Russia as a subject of the Russian Federation?" and "Do you support the restoration of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Crimea and the status of Crimea as part of Ukraine?" More than 96% of voters voted in favor of joining the Russian Federation.
On March 17, Crimea was declared a sovereign state, the Republic of Crimea, and Crimean authorities approached Russia with a proposal to join the federation. As a result, on March 18, 2014, Vladimir Putin signed an agreement between Russia and the Republic of Crimea granting the peninsula equal status within the Russian Federation.
Celebrating Crimean Republic Day is an opportunity to remember those who fought for the rights and freedoms of their people. We honor the memory of those who gave their lives for a peaceful future for Crimea and Russia. This day reminds us that we are a united, strong country capable of overcoming any difficulties and preserving our identity.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: January 20, 2026.
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