Question

The vast majority of Crimea support Russia. They do not want to be part of Ukraine.

There is no way around this fact. No argument about rule of international law. No lies about what we really want. None of it will work.

Respect Crimea or Ukraine will be destroyed.

Answer 1

Think of this as your investigation log. Answer each question to explain what you discovered and how you got there.

From my research, based on first hand interviews with the Crimean people. It seems as though the people of Crimea view themselves as Ukrainian people and citizens. The articles insinuates that the annexations wasn't encouraged by the Crimean people but rather a manipulation tactic by the Russian government to hold power over the region.

2. This arose from the "Crimean Speech of Vladimir Putin". Causing many to say this is an incorrect claim.
3. Unfourtnatley I am unable to paste links however the article is from "The London School of Economics and Politics. Published in the year 2022 by Ellie Knott "Were Crimeans really pro-Russian before Annexation."
4. Vladimir will clearly have bias to his country. While Ellie Knott being at an institution in London will most likely side with the Ukrainian population as London it located in the United Kingdom, which is apart of the United Nations, which has a history of being anti-Russia.
5. In Knott's article she interviewed the Crimean people. The very people this topic is debating. This is a first hand response, and the most direct approach to gaining insight on how the Crimean people feel.
6. Their is always the factor that she didn't interview every person with in the Crimean population. With the potential to miss a few peoples feelings on the subject matter.

Answer 2

Think of this as your investigation log. Answer each question to explain what you discovered and how you got there.
 

1. The claim says that the vast majority of people in Crimea support Russia and do not want to be part of Ukraine. My research shows this issue is disputed. Russia reported overwhelming support in a 2014 referendum, but many international organizations rejected the vote because it occurred under military presence and lacked independent monitoring. Other polling suggests opinions are mixed, so the claim is misleading because it presents a complex issue as a clear fact.

2. The 2014 Crimean status referendum reported strong support for joining Russia, which is likely where the claim comes from. However, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 68/262 declaring the referendum invalid and supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Crimean_status_referendum
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/767565

3. A FiveThirtyEight analysis showed earlier polling suggested more divided opinions in Crimea. BBC News explained that measuring true public opinion is difficult due to political pressure and limited independent access.
Links: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/many-signs-pointed-to-crimea-independence-vote-but-polls-didnt/
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-2660609

4. Russian government sources may reflect political interests, while international organizations emphasize international law. Media outlets may have editorial perspectives, so comparing multiple sources is important.

5. The main supporting evidence is the 2014 referendum results and some surveys showing support for Russia after annexation. 

6. The referendum’s legitimacy is disputed, earlier polling showed mixed views, and reliable polling is difficult due to political pressure.