Washington: Russia's 'referendum' in Crimea 'a farce at the barrel of a gun'
The so-called “’referendum’ at the barrel of a gun”, conducted by Russia in the Crimea five years ago, was a farce, wrote State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino on Twitter. He remarked that it was “rightfully condemned by the international community”.
On July 25, 2018, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued the Crimea Declaration whereby the United States rejected Russia’s annexation of the Crimea. Pompeo stated that the United States pledged to maintain this policy until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored.
On March 16, 2014, the Kremlin conducted a referendum in the Crimea and Sevastopol regarding the status of the peninsula, resulting in Russia annexing the Crimea.
The referendum was not recognized by Ukraine, the EU or the US. Putin announced the “accession” of the Crimea to Russia on March 18.