Myth: There was no significant support in Crimea for Ukraine’s European integration.
Reality: Despite pressure and threats, civic activists organized numerous large-scale rallies in support of European integration.
On November 21, Ukraine observes the Day of Dignity and Freedom to commemorate two revolutions: the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity. On this day, 11 years ago, students and activists gathered at Kyiv’s Independence Square to protest the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers’ decision to suspend the signing of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. The events that unfolded in the following months became pivotal not only for Ukraine but also for Crimea.
On November 22, the Presidium of the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea publicly supported Prime Minister Azarov’s decision to halt the agreement process with the EU. However, on the same day, the first protesters took to the streets of Simferopol. Carrying Ukrainian, Crimean Tatar, and European flags, activists gathered in Lenin Square outside the Council of Ministers of Crimea and the Crimean Parliament.
On November 23, 2013, activists marched through Simferopol, from the Cabinet of Ministers of Crimea to the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
The first major demonstration took place on November 24 under the slogan “I Choose the EU.” During the rally, the civic movement “Euromaidan-Crimea” was announced. Activists gathered in central Simferopol despite the presence of pro-Russian provocateurs, who were separated from the demonstrators by a human shield of law enforcement officers (then called the militsiia, prior to the 2015 police reform).
On November 27, participants of Crimea’s Euromaidan delivered an appeal from Crimeans to the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania, urging the signing of the Association Agreement in Vilnius. Meanwhile, in Sevastopol, civic and political leaders voiced their support for European integration and announced a rally for the following day. Despite a ban from the district administrative court, pro-European integration rallies were held in both Simferopol and Sevastopol.
Vasyl Zelenchuk was the only deputy of the Sevastopol City State Administration to openly support Euromaidan. At the same time, local authorities claimed there were no supporters of the European course in Sevastopol.
Winter brought new challenges for activists, who faced threats, intimidation, and even arson attacks on their premises. Pro-Ukrainian activists were pressured by pro-Russian elements, local authorities, and security forces. Despite these obstacles, protests and acts of dissent continued.
On December 7, participants in a pro-European integration rally gathered outside the Council of Ministers of Crimea and marched through Simferopol’s central streets to the Mission of the President of Ukraine in Crimea. Around 500 people participated, adopting a resolution calling for the dissolution of the Crimean Parliament during the demonstration.
On January 24, after negotiations between Ukraine’s central government and the opposition began in Kyiv, the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea declared a state of emergency. That day, names of deceased Euromaidan activists began appearing on Simferopol buildings, spray-painted as tributes.
On February 8, a forum titled “Euromaidan—Crimea” took place in Simferopol, bringing together activists from across the peninsula. The open-air event near the Mission of the President of Ukraine in Crimea drew nearly 500 participants. The forum’s resolution called for restructuring the Crimean government, which it accused of ignoring Crimeans’ rights to peacefully resolve conflicts.
On February 20, 2014, Russia’s occupation of Crimea began. This date was later codified in Ukrainian law as the start of the temporary occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol.
On February 23, marking the day of remembrance for Noman Çelebicihan, one of the largest rallies in support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity took place in Simferopol. Thousands gathered in Lenin Square at the call of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and Ukrainian organizations.
Meanwhile, administration in Sevastopol shifted to the so-called “Coordination Council for the City’s Vital Functions,” led by Russian citizen Oleksii Chalyi, who was proclaimed the “people’s mayor.” Russian-controlled illegal formations began organizing a headquarters that united criminal and paramilitary groups, including the pro-Russian “Sevastopol Self-Defense”. Similar pro-Russian paramilitary groups, including Cossacks, operated throughout Crimea.
On February 24, 2014, Russian Navy vessels tasked with securing the area around the Sochi Olympics received Russian military personnel (“little green men”), combat equipment, and set sail for Ukrainian Sevastopol.
Around the same time, then-President Viktor Yanukovych fled Kyiv and reportedly entered Russia via Crimea. Allegedly, there were plans to declare him the leader of “pro-Russian” forces, but he reportedly declined.
On February 26, 2014, a historic rally in support of Ukrainian unity took place in Simferopol, organized by Crimean Tatars, “Euromaidan-Crimea” activists, and other patriotic citizens. This event became one of the last significant acts of resistance before the active phase of the occupation began. The following day, Russian troops without insignias seized the buildings of Crimea’s Parliament and Council of Ministers, formally initiating the attempted annexation of Crimea.
Despite these tragic events, the Crimean Euromaidan became a symbol of the resilience and courage of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars who risked their safety to fight for Ukraine’s European future.