This Ukrainian territory has been under Russian occupation since 2014. In a decade, Moscow has transformed its institutions and demographics, notably through relentless repression of opponents.
Of the “traitors”. In Crimea, anyone who risks sharing a pro-Ukraine song or slogan online can now be denounced on the social network Telegram and face a police raid, reveals the British daily The Guardian. A further sign of the Russification of this Ukrainian territory which commemorates, Saturday March 16, the ten years of the referendum having covered its annexation by Moscow with a democratic veneer. Coincidentally, this anniversary coincides with the Russian presidential election, which Vladimir Putin is sure to win.
The annexation of Crimea in 2014 was carried out “easily”, recalls Tanya Lokshina, deputy director of the Europe and Central Asia division of the NGO Human Rights Watch. Five days after the dismissal of pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, in the wake of pro-European demonstrations in Maidan Square, armed men take control of Crimean institutions. And two weeks later, a referendum on the “reunification” of the peninsula and Russia was organized, which resulted in an overwhelming vote in favor of yes (96.8%).
The rear base of the Russian army
Ten years later, Moscow strengthened its control over Crimea. In 2014, Russia justified this annexation – which almost the entire international community refuses to recognize – by its “historical links” with the peninsula, explains Carole Grimaud, researcher in information and communication sciences at the University of Aix-Marseille. A way for Vladimir Putin to increase his popularity rating, going from 65% to 86% favorable opinions in a few months, relays the AP press agency.
But the occupation of this Ukrainian province has above all allowed the Kremlin to strengthen its military presence there. “Even before 2014, Russia had a major naval base in Crimea for its Black Sea fleet, as part of an agreement with kyiv”, recalls Carole Grimaud. In ten years, Moscow has engaged “growing remilitarization” of the peninsula, which in 2022 will become the rear base for its offensive in Ukraine. “It is in the South that the Russian army has gained the most ground” facing its adversary, by taking control of territories in the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, underlines the researcher.
“Crimea is the back theater of the fighting in Ukraine, it is essential for the Russians to maintain their military presence there.”
Carole Grimaud, researcher specializing in Russiaat franceinfo
But the Russification of the Ukrainian peninsula was not only achieved by arms. Moscow has also made significant investments to develop infrastructure, starting with the immense Kerch Bridge. : 19 kilometers of road linking Russia to Crimea, allowing the transport of goods… and vacationers. Before the start of the war in Ukraine, “the Crimean economy functioned mainly thanks to Russian tourism”, notes Carole Grimaud. Another way for the Kremlin to establish its influence in this territory.
“Make Crimea a territory populated by Russians”
Other Russians came to settle more permanently in Crimea. Some 500,000 nationals immigrated there between 2014 and 2022, reports The cross. Immigration encouraged by the Kremlin, while tens of thousands of Ukrainians left the peninsula. During this period, many residents were also expropriated, denounced the UN in a report published at the end of February. “The goal is to make Crimea a Russian territory, populated by Russians,” summarizes Carole Grimaud.
The peninsula is now mainly inhabited by Russian citizens, notes the researcher. But it’s not just because of immigration. “Since 2014, Ukrainians [de Crimée] were forced to take Russian citizenship: without it, they are considered undocumented foreigners in their own landsunderlines Tanya Lokshina, of Human Rights Watch. Citizenship conditions access to healthcare and social benefits, children’s schooling, the amount of taxes on the purchase of property… It’s obligatory if you want to lead a normal life.”
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At the same time, Moscow has profoundly transformed local institutions. “One of the first things the Russians did was cut off the population from any information coming from Ukraine”, details Carole Grimaud. They also tried to“imposing Russian language, culture and infrastructure on Crimea, while erasing the peninsula’s rich cultural, linguistic and religious heritage”deplored the UN at the end of February.
“Russia imposed its laws, its currency and its judicial system on Crimea. At school, Russian textbooks replaced the old books. Everything was Russified.”
Tanya Lokshina, deputy director at Human Rights Watchat franceinfo
Those who tried to resist the process were repressed. “From the first days of the occupation, we witnessed numerous violations of human rights humans”, denounces Tanya Lokshina. Moscow’s list of targets is long. “Of the journalists, activists, political opponents, lawyers, Tatars [une minorité musulmane largement pro-ukrainienne]… All those who resisted were systematically targeted”continues the head of Human Rights Watch.
The yellow ribbon, symbol of silent resistance
In its report, the UN says it has documented “104 forced disappearances and 55 cases of torture against pro-Ukrainian activists, journalists and Tatars” in ten years of occupation of Crimea. Human Rights Watch also reports numerous arbitrary arrests and detentions. “Between 2014 and February 2023, 98 Tatars were tried and 73 were sentenced to heavy sentences, ranging from 10 to 20 years in prison”specifies Tanya Lokshina.
These ten years of repression have “significantly weakened the resistance of the Ukrainians in Crimea”judge Carole Grimaud. “Many have joined Ukraine, and those who remain avoid speaking out”for fear of reprisals. “It’s a silent population, but we know that it persists, relates the expert. This underground movement is symbolized by yellow ribbons representing attachment to Ukraine, which can be found scattered throughout the cities, hanging on poles.
“There remains a pocket of Crimeans who still have hope of becoming part of Ukraine again.”
Carole Grimaud, researcher specializing in Russiaat franceinfo
Even hanging a ribbon has become a risky act, as repression has increased since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine. In March, a new wave of searches and arrests targeted Tatar religious leaders, questioned by Russian intelligence services, according to RFI. “The authorities fear sabotage by pro-Ukrainian Crimean resistance fighters, and have therefore increased control over the population”deciphers Carole Grimaud.
Because the Kremlin knows that kyiv has not given up Crimea. Among his war objectives, Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly reaffirmed his intention to retake the peninsula from Russia. The territory was also targeted by 184 attacks in 2023, notes the Guardian. “These are preparations before a major operation”assured the head of Ukrainian military intelligence to the British daily.
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In the event of kyiv’s victory, Russification will give way to a “re-Ukrainization” of Crimea, warns Carole Grimaud. “There will be an unraveling of everything that has been done” through Moscow. “This raises the question of what will happen to Crimeans who have taken Russian nationality and obtained positions linked to the administration”, says the researcher. She believes, however, that a return of Crimea to the Ukrainian fold “would not happen like Russification”. “If kyiv wins the war, the process of joining the EU will be accompanied by an obligation to guarantee human rights, notes Carole Grimaud. We can hope that this will limit the pressure on the population.”