Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 23 August 2016: Unfulfilled Promised to Crimea

More than two and a half years since the annexation of Crimea and its residents are beginning to regret their referendum decision to side with Russia. During the months leading up to the referendum, the people of Crimea found themselves banned together by a renewed sense of nationalism that fueled their fight and fervor; their hopeful future was paved with high expectations of prosperity comparable to the prosperity in Russia. The citizens of Crimea anticipated that their vote to side with Russia would mean they were a part of Russia in every way: culturally, socially, and economically. However, two and a half years later, the promises made by Moscow have remained unfulfilled.

Since the conquest of the annexation of Crimea, Moscow has overlooked the well-being of residents there. Rather than carrying out its mission to protect the citizens of Crimea, Moscow has failed to provide the quality of life promised.

Among some of the things promised to the Crimean population was the equal pedagogy of Russian, Ukrainian, and Tatar. However, since the annexation, many have found the latter two have diminished in schools. This has caused great distress on those wanted to retain Ukrainian and Tatar culture and language. Moreover, ethnic Crimean Tatars have been faced with discrimination. In addition to the decrease of regional culture, tens of thousands of Crimean citizens have also left the peninsula, further diminishing the spirit of the citizens in Crimea.

Economically, the shiny promise of reduced retirement age and increased pension has proven to be a fluke. Almost immediately after the annexation, due to the pressure of sanctions in Russia as well as in Ukraine, prices increased significantly while wages and pensions languished. In addition to the economic strain on citizens in Crimea, the tourist industry, which once was profitable, has diminished because annexation has both made it difficult and frightening to travel to.

So, what’s next for the well-being of the citizens in Crimea? If sanctions continue to strain the Russian ruble, then the promised 680B ruble investment in Crimea by the Russian government will also sum up to an unfulfilled promise.