Ukrainian Official Announces 12-Point Plan To Purge Russia From Crimea

Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council Oleksiy Danilov addresses the media in Kyiv, Ukraine February 23, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service | Reuters

CNBC: Ukrainian official offers a plan Kyiv would take after it reclaims control of Crimea from Russia 

A top Ukrainian official on Sunday outlined a series of steps the government in Kyiv would take after the country reclaims control of Crimea, including dismantling the strategic bridge that links the seized Black Sea peninsula to Russia. 

Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, published the plan as Ukraine’s military prepares for a spring counteroffensive in hopes of making new, decisive gains after more than 13 months of war to end Russia’s full-scale invasion. 

Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, but most of the world does not recognize it as Russian territory. The peninsula’s future status will be a key feature in any negotiations on ending the current fighting.  

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WNU Editor: The 12-point Ukrainian proposal on what would happen to those who live in Crimea in the event that Ukraine regains control are blunt.

1) prosecute all those who assisted the Russian government 

2) ban those who assisted Russia from government jobs and pensions 

3) all Russian citizens who moved to Crimea after 2014 to be expelled 

4) all real-estate transactions made after 2014 declared void 

5) dismantling the 19km long Crimea bridge 

6) renaming the city of Sevastopol 

What is not mentioned but will be implemented in Crimea in the same manner that Ukraine has implemented in the parts of the country that it controls are 

(1) measures to abolish or limit the use of the Russian language in business, government, and schools. 

(2) Banning all Russian media. 

(3) Limiting, if not eliminating, the Russian Orthodox church by integrating it with the Kyiv approved Ukrainian Orthodox Church. 

In short. All that Ukraine has done with this 12-point plan is reinforce Russian fears that if Ukraine does asserts its control of Crimea, Russian cultural genocide will be the result. 

Ukrainian Official Announces 12-Point Plan To Purge Russia From Crimea  

Ukrainian official offers plan for a Crimea without Russia -- AP N

ational Security Council Secretary announces 12 steps for Crimea's liberation developed by council -- Ukrainska Pravda  

Oleksiy Danilov: 12 steps of deoccupation of Crimea -- Odessa Journal

Is The US-NATO Response To The Fall Of Bakhmut A Likely Assault On Crimea?

Asia Times: A coming wider war with Crimea in US sights  

US-NATO response to fall of Bakhmut is likely an assault on Crimea, which in turn will spark Russian attacks on Eastern Europe  

Ukrainian forces are pulling out of Bakhmut and the battle for the small Donetsk city is nearly finished. So what happens next? 

There appear to be two stages to the Bakhmut pullout. The first started perhaps a month ago, though that isn’t certain. The troops pulled out comprised foreign fighters and Yellow Armband troops. 

The Russians say they have not seen any foreign fighters for about a month. Most of these were said to be from Georgia and Abkhazia. (Abkhazia is the area in Georgia carved out by the Russians and declared an independent entity.)  

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WNU Editor: US Undersecretary of State Nuland has already made it very clear that Crimea may be next (see video below). More here .... Nuland: US supports Ukraine striking targets in Crimea (Kyiv Independent).

Is US planning to start WW3 in Crimea?

16 Feb 2023
Victoria Nuland: "There are mass military installations on Crimea ... Those are legitimate targets. Ukraine is hitting them and we are supporting that."https://t.co/R6OJPAYR6u pic.twitter.com/L2bnb3n1Su

— the Lemniscat (@theLemniscat) February 17, 2023

Ukraine’s President Pledges To ‘Return’ Russia-Annexed Crimea

 

Reuters: Ukraine marks Independence Day vowing to reclaim annexed territory 

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine held its first military parade in several years, celebrating the 30th anniversary of its independence and declaring it would reclaim areas of its territory annexed by Russia. 

Units of the Ukrainian army, tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and air defence systems marched along the central street of Kyiv, while a parade of Ukrainian Navy units took place in the Black Sea port of Odessa.

"We are fighting for our people, because it is possible to temporarily occupy territories, but it is impossible to occupy people's love for Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said at a ceremony before the parade. 

"People in Donbass and Crimea will return to us, because we are a family," he said.  

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WNU Editor: 80% (if not more) of Crimea is occupied by Russians, and they have been there for almost a thousand years. To think they are now going to willingly join Ukraine that has banned Russian from government services, schools, and public businesses .... good luck to that. 

More News On Ukraine’s President Pledging To ‘Return’ Russia-Annexed Crimea  

Ukraine’s leader vows to do all he can to bring back Crimea -- AP  

Ukraine’s president pledges to ‘return’ Russia-annexed Crimea -- Al Jazeera  

Zelenskiy Looks To International Forum To Return Russia-Annexed Crimea -- RFE  

Ukraine opens international summit calling for 'return' of Crimea from Russia -- France 24

US President Biden Says US Will ‘Never’ Accept Russia’s Annexation of Crimea

U.S. President Joe Biden Radio Free Europe: Biden Says U.S. Stands With Ukraine, Will Never Recognize Crimea Annexation 

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States will continue to back Ukraine against Russian aggression and will never recognize the Kremlin’s annexation of its neighbor’s territory. 

Biden made the comments of support on February 26 as Ukrainians mark the seventh anniversary of Moscow’s steps to seize Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.

"The United States does not, and will never, recognize Russia’s purported annexation of the peninsula, and we will stand with Ukraine against Russia’s aggressive acts. We will continue to work to hold Russia accountable for its abuses and aggression in Ukraine," Biden said.

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WNU Editor: There is zero chance that Crimea will ever go back to Ukraine. 

More News On US President Biden Saying US Will ‘Never’ Accept Russia’s Annexation of Crimea 

Statement by President Biden on the Anniversary of Russia’s Illegal Invasion of Ukraine -- US Embassy & Consulates in Russia 

On Eve of Russia Invasion Anniversary, US, EU Reaffirm Crimea Belongs to Ukraine -- VOA 

Biden Says US Will ‘Never’ Accept Russia’s Annexation of Crimea -- Anti-war.com 

Biden says U.S. will hold Russia accountable over Crimea -statement -- Reuters

Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumkov (file photo)

RFE: Return Of Crimea 'Difficult And Slow Process,' Says Ukraine's Parliament Speaker

The speaker of the Ukrainian parliament says efforts to return control of Crimea to Kyiv are part of "a difficult and slow process," that Ukraine is determined to resolve.

Dmytro Razumkov, head of the Verkhovna Rada, made the remarks in an interview with RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that was published on May 16.

Russia forcibly took over Crimea in March 2014 after Russian forces seized control of strategic sties on the Black Sea peninsula and organized a referendum that was not recognized by the international community.

Shortly thereafter, Russia began supporting separatists in two eastern Ukrainian regions, Donetsk and Luhansk. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has left around 13,000 people dead, tens of thousands more injured, and uprooted well over 1 million Ukrainians, according to UN and Ukrainian officials.

The West has sanctioned Russia for its seizure of Crimea and its support for the separatists in eastern Ukraine.

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WNU Editor: A "difficult and slow process"?!?!? How about an impossible process.You can take this to the bank. The Russian majority in Crimea will never acquiesce to rejoining Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo Tells Ukraine That It Has 'Lost' Crimea To Russia Forever

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pictured with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, recently visited Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries. Efrem Lukatsky, AP/TASS

Moscow Times: ‘Crimea Is Lost,’ Pompeo Reportedly Tells Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has allegedly said that Ukraine has lost Crimea to Russia forever, according to a closed-door meeting participant’s account provided to Ukrainian media.

Pompeo reportedly made the remarks Friday at talks with Ukrainian civil society members during his recent visit to Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries. Ukraine's relations with Russia collapsed after Moscow seized the Black Sea peninsula and a war between pro-Russian rebels and Kiev broke out in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

“He said that Crimea is lost,” Yelena Trehub, the head of Ukraine’s nongovernmental anti-corruption watchdog, told the NV news magazine Tuesday.

“World players are well aware that Crimea is lost,” Trehub recounted Pompeo’s words to Crimean activist Emina Dzhaparova. “Russia is not a country from which you can take something away.”

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WNU Editor: Two-thirds of Crimea (if not more) are ethnically Russian. They have no interest in becoming a part of Ukraine. I know there are some in Kiev who are pushing for a Ukrainian federal system where regions like Crimea would be given a great deal of autonomy and control of heir culture, language, and finances. This will work with the Donbas regions in eastern Ukraine, and will end the current war if implemented as President Zelenskiy had promised during last year's election. But for Crimea, coupled with Moscow's insistence that this Crimea not on the table, IMHO this "solution" to the Crimea issue is not going to happen.

Apple's Apps Shows Crimea As Part Of Russia

Screenshot Apple Maps

Daily Mail: Apple changes its Crimea map to show the annexed peninsula as part of Russian territory after bowing to Moscow's demands

* US tech giant Apple has recognised Crimea as Russia's sovereign territory
* Russian lawmakers announced the change proudly in the parliament Wednesday
* Russia annexed Crime in 2014 to widespread condemnation from the US and EU
* When Apple Maps is used in the UK the Crimea appears not to belong to a state

Apple has changed its Crimea map to show that the annexed peninsula is part of Russia's territory after bowing to Moscow's demands.

Russian legislators proudly announced that the US tech giant had complied with their demands in the lower parliament, the State Duma, on Wednesday.

The Black Sea peninsula and its largest cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol are now displayed as Russian territory on Apple's maps and weather apps when used in Russia.

Crimea does not appear to be part of any country when these apps are used in UK.

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WNU Editor: Ukraine is protesting .... Ukraine denounces Apple for calling Crimea part of Russia in apps (Reuters).

More News On Apple's Apps Showing Crimea A Part Of Russia

Apple changes Crimea map to meet Russian demands -- BBC
Apple Complies With Russian Request to Change Crimea Map -- Moscow Times/Reuters
Apple's Apps Show Ukraine's Crimea As Part Of Russia -- RFE
Apple Maps in Russia shows Crimea as part of Russia after Moscow complaints -- The Hill
Apple alters Maps and Weather to show Crimea as a Russian territory -- The Verge
Apple tweaks Crimea to be part of Russia in apps; Ukraine says tech giant 'doesn't give a damn' -- ABC News Online
Facebook's ex-security boss Alex Stamos slams Apple as 'shameful' for changing its maps to suit a demand from the Russian government -- Business Insider

Ukraine Protests Russian President Putin's Visit To Crimea

BBC: Vladimir Putin riles Ukraine with Crimea bikers' festival trip

Ukraine has protested to Russia after a leather-clad President Vladimir Putin visited the annexed Crimean peninsula to attend a bikers' festival.

Its foreign ministry described Saturday's visit as a "blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty".

Ukraine said attempts by Moscow and its media to present such visits as routine were "pathetic".

Crimea was annexed from the Ukraine in 2014, triggering a wave of ultra-patriotism in Russia.

Read more ....

More News On Russian President Putin's Visit To Crimea

Putin congratulates Night Wolves on 10th anniversary of Crimea bike show -- TASS
Vladimir Putin joins ultra-patriotic biker gang 'Night Wolves' for a ride as tens of thousands of protesters gather in Moscow -- Daily Mail
Ukraine protests Putin’s trip to motorcycle show in Crimea -- AP
Ukraine rips Putin's visit to pro-Kremlin motorcycle club in Crimea -- The Hill
Kyiv Protests Putin's Visit To Annexed Crimea -- RFE
Riding High: President Putin on Bike at Annual Motorcycle Show in Sevastopol -- Sputnik

Crimea's Reunification With Russia Is Not Going To Be Reversed

Strategic Culture Foundation editorial: Crimea’s Reunification with Russia – a Landmark Event

This week the people of Crimea celebrated the fifth anniversary of joining the Russian Federation. People across Russia shared their joy. Centuries of common culture and history made the reunification more like a homecoming. Crimea’s important role in defeating Nazi Germany’s genocidal assault on Mother Russia eight decades ago gives it a cherished place in Russia’s modern history.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and several dignitaries were in attendance of the ceremonies held on the Black Sea peninsula. Two power stations were opened underlining the energy independence of Crimea and its future integral development with Russia.

Earlier this year saw the opening of a 19-kilometer road and rail bridge – the longest in Europe – across the Kerch Strait from Russia’s mainland to Crimea at a cost of nearly $4 billion.

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WNU Editor: I concur with the above conclusion. Crimea is not going to go back to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Poroshenko Promises To Regain Crimea

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko

Kyiv Post: Poroshenko promises to regain Crimea – after election

Five years after Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory of Crimea began, President Petro Poroshenko has promised Kyiv will regain control of the peninsula if he is re-elected.

Speaking in an interview on March 17 with TV channel Ukraina, Poroshenko said that “Crimea will be returned to Ukraine, without haggling and behind-the-scenes agreements.”

“We will do everything for it to happen as soon as possible, immediately after the presidential election,” he said, adding that he doesn’t rule out the possibility that Ukraine will also see progress in the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission to the Russian-occupied parts of the Donbas – also right after the election.

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Update: Poroshenko: Ukraine's most important task to ensure restoration of territorial integrity (UNIAN)

WNU Editor: It is not going to happen.

Russia Deploys Nuclear-Capable Bombers And The Iskander Missile System To Crimea

A Tu-160 Nikolai Kuznetsov strategic missile-carrier bomber, left, and a Tu-22MZ long-range missile-carrier bomber during the rehearsal of the air part of the Victory Parade in Moscow. © Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich

RT: Russia deploys Tu-22M3 bombers & Iskanders to Crimea in response to US missile launchers in Romania

Russia has deployed strategic bombers and Iskander missile systems in Crimea to counter US anti-missile elements in Romania, a top senator said. It will allow the country to respond to any threat coming from European territory.

Editor’s note: The Defense and Security Committee of the Russian Federation Council later denied the deployment of Tu-22M3 strategic bombers and Iskander-M ballistic missile systems to Crimea, saying the initial statement by committee head Viktor Bondarev was erroneous.

The installation of the American MK-41 missile defense launch systems in Romania became a “serious challenge” for Russia, Viktor Bondarev, the head of the Russian Federation Council’s Defense and Security Committee, said.

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WNU Editor: There are a few major Russian military bases in Crimea. This deployment is not a surprise.

More News On Russia Deploying Nuclear-Capable Bombers And The Iskander Missile System To Crimea

Russia decides to deploy nuclear-capable strategic bombers to Crimea: RIA -- Reuters
Russia sends 'squadrons' of nuclear-capable bombers to Crimea in response to U.S. missile shield in Romania -- Japan Times

Russia Is Still Paying The Price For Annexing Crimea

Bloomberg: Russia Still Paying Price for Crimea Five Years After Annexation

Half a decade has passed since Vladimir Putin annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. For Russia, the costs continue to mount.

The accession treaty signed to bring the Black Sea territory into Moscow’s fold is still unrecognized by most countries and the U.S. and European Union led a broad effort to punish Russia with sanctions. Undeterred, Russia has kept integrating Crimea into its economy, investing billions in new power plants and building a giant bridge to the peninsula last year.

Most of the costs Russia has incurred have come from the U.S. and EU penalties, which have piled up every year since the annexation, with new ones added for alleged election meddling and other actions. But the country and its residents -- already suffering from low prices for oil, Russia’s main export -- are also feeling the pain a drop in foreign investment and stagnating incomes. A recent survey suggests the public appeal of the annexation is starting to wear off.

Here are five charts that illustrate the cost of the takeover.

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WNU Editor: Even though there has been a price to pay for the annexation of Crimea, support within Russia for Crimea to be a part of the Federation is overwhelmingly in the high ninety percentile range.

Russian President Putin In Crimea To Mark The fifth Anniversary Of The Peninsula 'Rejoining' Russia

A man holds a placard with a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin during celebrations marking the fifth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea in Simferopol on March 15.

RFE: Putin Arrives In Crimea To Mark Five Years Since Peninsula 'Rejoined' Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Crimea to mark the fifth anniversary of what Moscow considers the day Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula became part of Russia.

Ukraine and the West have slammed Russia's move as an “illegal” annexation, leading to sanctions against Russian individuals and entities.

Putin, on March 18, inaugurated two new power stations in the cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol.

The power stations were partially launched last year, but the March 18 inauguration marked the moment they began working at full capacity.

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WNU Editor: Crimea is never going to go back and be a part Ukraine. 90% of the peninsula is Russian, and just because of Ukraine's restrictions on the use of Russian in using government services, employment, and the language that is taught in schools, there is zero interest to rejoin the country. Russia has also invested billions in building a land bridge, and making Crimea independent in energy supplies. These are tangible benefits that only entrenches support to stay with Russia.

More News On The Fifth Anniversary Of Russia's Annexation Of Crimea

Putin to visit Crimea, Sevastopol on March 18 -- TASS
Crimeans Mark Five Years of Russian Rule With Cossacks, Eagles and Bikers -- Moscow Times
Putin to Mark 5 years of Annexation in Crimea -- VOA/AFP
Crimea is 'unassailable fortress', no danger of provocations, says regional head -- TASS
Long Road Home: Marking Fifth Anniversary of Crimea's Reunification With Russia -- Sputnik
Five years after the annexation of Crimea, Russia has been left an international pariah -- Telegraph.co.uk
Crimeans Take to the Streets in Celebrations, in Photos -- Moscow Times

Russia Completes Wall On Crimea-Ukraine Border

Moscow Times: Crimea Completes Fence on Border With Ukraine

Russia has finished constructing a 60-kilometer fence on the Crimean border with Ukraine.

In September 2017, the Federal Security Services (FSB) branch of the annexed Crimean peninsula announced an auction to build a two-meter high fence bordering Ukraine. According to reports at the time, the fence was estimated to cost over 200 million rubles ($2.8 million).

On Thursday, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited the FSB as saying that the fence was constructed to prevent "attempts by saboteurs and reconnaissance groups to break through.” The fence was aimed at preventing the smuggling of arms, tobacco, alcohol and drugs to Crimea, representatives of the security agency added.

They also said that the fence was equipped with vibration sensors as well as radio-beam sensors with night-vision video cameras.

Read more ....

More News On Russia Completing The Wall On The Crimea-Ukraine Border

Ukraine conflict: Russia completes Crimea security fence -- BBC
Russia Says Crimea Barrier Is Complete -- RFE
Fencing off intruders: Russia completes security barrier on Crimean border -- TASS
Russia completes wall on Crimea-Ukraine border -- Euronews
Russia builds border fence between Crimea and Ukraine proper -- Al Jazeera

Russia Conducts Live-Fire Drills With S-400 in Crimea (VIDEO)

Sputnik: Russia Conducts Live-Fire Drills With S-400 in Crimea (VIDEO)

The drills come after Alexander Dvornikov, commander of Russia's Southern Military District, announced that the military had completed rearming air defence forces stationed in Crimea with the potent, world-renowned S-400 system.

Military exercises involving Russia's S-400 missile systems have successfully wrapped up in Crimea, according to Russian Black Sea Fleet spokesman Alexei Rulev.

"The combat crews of the S-400 Triumf missile systems from [Russian] Aerospace Forces and air defence units of the Southern Military District deployed in Crimea has conducted air defence drills," he said.

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Update: S-400 combat teams stationed in Crimea hold air defense drills (TASS)

WNU Editor: These exercises are ending at the same time the UN is condemning the militarization of the region .... UN Passes Resolution Criticizing Crimea Militarization, Russia Expresses Regret (Moscow Times).

Scores Killed In Crimea College Terror Bomb Attack

BBC: Kerch blast: Crimea college bomb attack kills 18

At least 18 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in an explosion at a college in Russian-annexed Crimea.

Officials said an "unidentified explosive device" detonated at the technical college in Kerch, where Russia has built a bridge between the peninsula and Russia.

Initial reports had suggested that the blast was some sort of gas explosion.

But a Russian national guard official said the incident was a deliberate "terrorist act".

Sergei Melikov said the explosion had been caused by an improvised explosive device.

National guard units had reached the scene of the "act of terrorism"' he told Interfax.

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WNU Editor: There are some reports that there were armed gunmen, but officials are denying those reports. This is a developing news story that will be updated later today.

More News On Today's Terror Attack In Crimea

Explosion at Crimean college (Live) -- TASS
Seventeen People Dead, Up to 50 Injured Following Blast in Kerch, Russia (VIDEO) -- Sputnik
Crimea terrorist attack: 18 killed, dozens injured in explosion in Kerch college -- RT
Crimea college hit by deadly bomb blast in terror attack -- The Guardian
Russia: Explosive kills 13, injures dozens in Crimea -- AP
Thirteen people killed in armed attack on Crimean college -- Reuters
Witness on Kerch Blast: There Was No Central Entrance, There Were No Windows -- Sputnik
Terror attack among possible versions behind explosion in Crimea — Kremlin -- TASS

White House Will Not Recognize Russia's Annexation Of Crimea

RFE: Official: White House Continues To Reject Russia's Annexation Of Crimea

WASHINGTON -- A White House spokeswoman said the United States continues to reject Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula, days after President Donald Trump cast doubt on that position.

Sarah Sanders told reporters July 2 that the U.S. sanctions imposed on Moscow following the 2014 annexation would remain until Moscow reversed its decision.

"We do not recognize Russia's attempt to annex Crimea," Sanders said. "We agree to disagree and the sanctions against Russia remain in place until Russia returns the peninsula to the Ukraine."

Sanders' remarks contrast with those of national security adviser John Bolton, who a day earlier suggested that Trump may eventual acknowledge Russia's seizure.

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WNU Editor: The Kremlin has stated that Crimea will not be on the table when Putin meets Trump in Helsinki .... Ahead Of Putin-Trump Summit, Kremlin Says Everything (Except Crimea) Up For Discussion (RFE). More here .... Crimea Will 'Never' Be Discussed in International Negotiations, Russia Says (Newsweek). What's my take .... asking Russia to return Crimea to Ukraine is like asking Washington to return Alaska to Russia .... it is not going to happen.

More News On The White House Stating That They Will Not Recognize Russia's Annexation Of Crimea, And That Sanctions Will Remain

White House: No change to Crimea policy -- AP
White House won't recognize Crimea annexation: official -- AFP
White House says the U.S. and Russia 'agree to disagree' on the invasion and seizure of Crimea and insists sanctions imposed in the aftermath will remain in place -- Daily Mail
U.S. Does Not Recognize Russia's Crimea Annexation, Sanders Says -- Bloomberg
White House: US, Russia 'agree to disagree' on Crimea -- The Hill

President Trump And Crimea

Washington Times: Trump: Obama lost Crimea to Russia, time to move on with Putin

President Trump said Friday that he’s looking to meet sometime this summer with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that the U.S. should move beyond its objections to Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 because then-President Barack Obama failed to stop it.

“It’s possible that we’ll meet, yeah,” Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House.

Noting that he has proposed for the Group of Seven nations to readmit Russia, which was kicked out of the coalition over the illegal taking of Crimea from Ukraine, Mr. Trump said, “I think it’s better to have Russia in, than to have Russia out.”

Read more ....

More News On President Trump's Remarks On Crimea

'Putin didn't respect President Obama': Trump blames Obama for Russia's annexation of Crimea -- Business Insider
Trump: 'Obama lost Crimea' to Russia -- The Hill
President Trump is again blaming his predecessor for Russia's annexation of Crimea -- Aol.com

WNU Editor: A lot of questions are also being raised on what President Trump said at the G7 ....

Trump questioned why allies opposed Russia's annexation of Crimea: report -- The Hill
Trump to G7: Crimea Part of Russia Because Everyone Speaks Russian - Reports -- Sputnik
Kremlin mum on Trump's G7 remarks about Crimea -- TASS
Revealed: Trump told G7 leaders over dinner that 'Crimea is part of Russia because everyone there speaks Russian' as he called for nation to be allowed back into the summit -- Daily Mail
Kremlin Unable to Verify Trump's Remarks on Crimea -- Sputnik
From 'Obama Did It' to 'Part of Russia': Evolution of Trump's Position on Crimea -- Sputnik

Europe's Longest Bridge Is Now Open Between Russia And Crimea

RT: Europe’s longest: Putin leads column of trucks at Crimean bridge opening ceremony (VIDEO)

A new 19km bridge connecting the mainland with the Crimean Peninsula has been officially opened, making Russia the host of Europe’s longest bridge. President Vladimir Putin personally drove a truck across it to mark the occasion.

The opening of the bridge was all about the people, who created the massive construction in record time. A column of dozens of heavy-duty vehicles including hauler trucks, construction cranes and cement-mixers buzzed along, occasionally tooting their horns. Putin, who showed up for the ceremonial trip unusually dressed in casual style, drove one of the two Kamaz trucks in the front of the motorcade. His usual entourage was literally sidelined, keeping at a distance on the other half of the road.

Read more ....

Update #1: WATCH Opening Ceremony of Crimean Bridge in Russia (Sputnik)
Update #2: Putin lauds Kerch Strait Bridge’s ‘historic’ opening as ‘a miracle come true’ (TASS)

WNU Editor: There were a few moments where I thought Putin was going to crash the dump-truck .... but I noticed that the driver of the truck beside him made sure to get out of the way when he was coming too close. This 19km bridge was completed in 3 years .... 6 months ahead of schedule. Besides the direct access to Russia that Crimeans now have, this bridge has electrical transmission lines from Russia directly to Crimea. The biggest beef that I have heard among Crimeans since breaking away from Ukraine has been the sporadic electricity blackouts. No more now.

Russia Builds-Up Its Air Defenses In Crimea

ABC News Online: Russia deploys more surface-to-air missiles in Crimean build-up as new US sanctions expected

Russia has deployed a new division of S-400 surface-to-air missiles in Crimea, Russian news agencies reported, in an escalation of military tensions on the Crimean peninsula.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, triggering economic sanctions by the European Union and United States and a tense stand-off in the region.

The US said in December it planned to provide Ukraine with "enhanced defensive capabilities", including Javelin anti-tank missiles.

Washington is expected to impose fresh sanctions against Moscow next month for alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential vote, further straining relations between the two superpowers.

Read more ....

More News On Russia Building Up Its Air Defenses In Crimea

Russia deploys more surface-to-air missiles in Crimean build-up -- Reuters
Russia Deploys Second S-400 Division To Annexed Crimea -- Radio Free Europe
Russia deploys surface-to-air missiles in Crimea build-up -- SBS
Russia-US military standoff as 'lethal' surface-to-air missiles trigger fresh war fears -- Daily Star
New S-400 Air Defense System Battalion Put on Combat Duty in Crimea -- Sputnik International
Russia deploys more S-400 air defense missile systems in Crimea (VIDEO) -- RT