MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin described Crimea’s 2014 reunification with Russia as a “historic choice” and said Russian troops are now fighting to defend that decision, according to remarks delivered on March 18, marking the anniversary of the annexation.
Speaking at a commemorative event, Putin said residents of Crimea and Sevastopol had made a “decisive and historic” decision to join Russia, adding that similar choices were being made by residents of other territories claimed by Moscow, including parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
He characterized Crimea’s status as “unchangeable and unshakeable,” calling it a defining moment in Russia’s history and a symbol of national unity.
Key facts and developments
March 18 is observed in Russia as the Day of Crimea’s Reunification with Russia. It is a public holiday in Crimea and Sevastopol, where local authorities mark the date as the return of the region to Russian control.
Russian officials used the anniversary to highlight economic and infrastructure development on the peninsula. According to Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, around ₽1.3 trillion (approximately $14 billion at current exchange rates) has been allocated over the past 12 years to address socio-economic priorities in Crimea.
Khusnullin said the region recorded a 99.8% budget execution rate under state programs last year, one of the highest in Russia.
Authorities also reported the completion of 113 infrastructure projects in 2025 across education, healthcare, culture, and sports sectors.
Infrastructure and tourism
A federal children’s rehabilitation center with a capacity of 300 beds opened in Yevpatoria as part of the anniversary events. The facility is expected to expand with additional medical and residential infrastructure.
Tourism indicators have also increased. Officials said approximately 7.4 million visitors traveled to Crimea last year, up by 1.1 million compared to 2024. Since 2014, tourist numbers have nearly doubled.
Hotel capacity has expanded significantly, rising 2.3 times in Crimea and 2.4 times in Sevastopol over the same period. The historic site of Chersonesus Taurica reportedly attracted around 700,000 visitors in 2025.
