Russian mercenary clarifies: annexation of Crimea is not merit of Crimeans, but of Russian army

The main merit in the annexation of Crimea by Russia belongs not to the residents of the peninsula, but to the Russian army. Russian mercenary Alexander Zhuchkovsky, now fighting for the militants of Donbass, wrote this on social networks.

He did not agree with the statement of the "DNR" first ringleader Alexander Borodai, who said that the level of support of the local population in Crimea was absolute, and in the Donbas, pro-Russian sentiments were weak, so the local population was not ready to fight and die for Russia.

Zhuchkovsky, who took part in destabilizing the situation on the peninsula five years ago, does not agree with such assessments and assures that it was not people of the Crimea who ensured "reunification" with Russia for five years – the annexation was achieved thanks to the Russian army.

"Of course, the Russians of Crimea went to the protests and did a lot to return the home… But the main merit in this belongs not to the Crimean militia, but to the Russian army", - he actually admits the use of Russian armed forces on the sovereign territory of Ukraine.

As previously reported, Russian propaganda claims that the so-called "annexation" of the Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia was the result of free will of local residents. In fact, the "referendum" was preceded by the seizure by the secret services and army units of the Russian Federation of virtually all authorities and betrayal of the Crimean officials.

On March 16, 2014, a "referendum" on the status of the peninsula unrecognized by the world was held on the territory of the Crimea and Sevastopol, on the results of which Russia included Crimea in its membership. Neither Ukraine, nor the European Union or USA recognized the results of the referendum voting. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the "accession" of the Crimea to Russia on March 18.

International organizations recognized the occupation and annexation of Crimea as illegal and condemned Russia's actions. Western countries imposed economic sanctions. Russia denies the annexation of the peninsula and calls it "restoration of historical justice". The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine officially announced February 20, 2014 the date of beginning of the temporary occupation of the Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia.