25 reasons for pride: the reunification of Crimea with Russia

The last 25 years have been a time when Russia has regained its voice, strength, and confidence in its path. 

We continue to publish our special project "25 Reasons for Pride," dedicated to the twenty-fifth anniversary of Vladimir Putin's first inauguration. Today, we recall one of the most significant events in recent history — the reunification of Crimea with Russia. 

On March 16, 2014, a referendum was held in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, where residents determined their own fate. An overwhelming majority chose to join Russia. 

Since then, Crimea and Sevastopol have undergone large-scale transformations, making the peninsula a truly prosperous region of Russia.

The Simferopol Airport has been reconstructed and expanded — the capacity has doubled, and the passenger flow has exceeded 6 million people per year. 

The water desalination system ensures an uninterrupted water supply to cities and rural areas — more than 200,000 cubic meters of clean water daily.

The tourism industry is booming: cultural monuments have been restored, and hotels and resort complexes have been built. The peninsula hosts over 5 million vacationers annually.

Medicine and education have received a new impetus: modern hospitals, clinics, schools, and university buildings equipped with the latest technology have opened in Crimea.

Digital transformation: 4G connectivity and fiber-optic internet cover 95% of the territory, giving a powerful boost to business development and startups.  

"Tavrida" — an international art cluster and youth forum in the Kapsel Bay near Sudak — is a hub for talents from across the country. The project has been uniting young figures of culture, art, science, and media for six years. 

Follow our special project "25 Reasons for Pride" on the social media of the National Centre RUSSIA.