Is Ukraine in NATO?

Relations between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started in 1994. Ukraine applied to begin a NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) in 2008. However, following the Russian military invasion in Ukraine and parliamentary elections in October 2014, the new government made joining NATO a priority.

Why did the Crimean War break out?

The spark that set off the war was religious tension between Catholics and the Orthodox believers, including Russians, over access to Jerusalem and other places under Turkish rule that were considered sacred by both Christian sects.

When did Russia take over Crimea from Ukraine?

Annexation of Crimea by Russia from Ukraine in February–March 2014. The Crimean Peninsula was annexed by the Russian Federation in February–March 2014 and since then has been administered as two Russian federal subjects—the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol.

What does the UN say about the annexation of Crimea?

Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation. The UN resolution also “underscores that the referendum having no validity, cannot form the basis for any alteration of the status of [Crimea]” and calls upon all States and international organizations not to recognize or to imply the recognition of Russia’s annexation.

Is Russia giving out out Russian passports in Crimea?

In September 2008, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko accused Russia of giving out Russian passports to the population in Crimea and described it as a “real problem” given Russia’s declared policy of military intervention abroad to protect Russian citizens.

What happened on 20 February 2014 in Ukraine?

Ukraine claims 20 February 2014 as the date of “the beginning of the temporary occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia .”, citing timeframe inscribed on the Russian medal “For the Return of Crimea”, and in 2015 the Ukrainian parliament officially designated the date as such.