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Crimea and Sevastopol

Crimea annexed by Ukraine 23 years ago — Naryshkin

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MOSCOW, June 11. /ITAR-TASS/. Crimea was annexed by Ukraine 23 years ago, Russian State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin said on Wednesday in a speech on the eve of the Russia Day.

“In fact, then - 23 years ago, the annexation of Crimea took place, peaceful though, but in was the annexation anyway,” he told the parliament. “Unfortunately, it became possible due to the lack of responsibility of several Russian politicians.”

“At that time, people living in Crimea and Sevastopol declared clearly their aspiration to restore their union with Russia,” the speaker said. “Back in January 1991, the Crimean region had a referendum, which results in fact disputed transfer of Crimea to Ukraine, as 93% of the vote said, and the turnout at the referendum was 81%.”

“This year, two new members of the federation - Crimea and Sevastopol - will celebrate for the first time the Russia Day together with the country,” Naryshkin said.

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Crimea and Sevastopol Ukraine Sergey Naryshkin

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