The Annexation of Crimea to the Russian Federation from the Perspective of International Law
Subject Areas :Hamidreza Jamali 1 , Houssein Khamesipour 2
1 - عضو هیات علمی دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد شهرضا
2 - کارشناس ارشد روابط بین الملل دانشگاه آزاد شهرضا
Keywords: Russia, military intervention, Ukraine, Self-determination, Crimea, accession, referendum,
Abstract :
Abstract Annexation of Crimea to the Russia refers to the separation of part of the Crimean peninsula, which was recognized as part of Ukraine. Russia annexed it to the mainland through a referendum after a military operation and help of pro-Russian local authorities in March 2014. A process which was considered by many international leaders and institutions as illegal and consequently sanctions were imposed against Russia. On the other hand Russia and pro-Russian Crimean people of Russian origin consider their action as legitimate and in the direction of right of self-determination. They cite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) opinion on Kosovo. The present article raises the question that how the action of Russia in separating Crimea from Ukraine and annexing it to herself can be evaluated from the perspective of international law? The methodology used in the research is descriptive-analytical. The finding of the study shows that international law cannot explain it with a no or yes answer whether this action had been legal or illegal but this practice can become a precedent which will certainly jeopardize the world security in future.