Today marks the 11th anniversary of the heroic act of loyalty by the cadets of the Nakhimov Naval School of the Ukrainian Navy in Sevastopol. Following Russia’s armed aggression and the occupation of Crimea on February 20, 2014, Russian forces systematically seized and blockaded Ukrainian military units, including the Nakhimov Naval School in Sevastopol. On February 27, 2014, the occupiers blocked the academy from both land and sea.

A turning point came on March 21, 2014, when, after Russia attempted to legitimize the occupation, an “official ceremony” was scheduled on the academy’s parade ground to lower the Ukrainian flag and raise the Russian tricolor. That day, cadets who remained loyal to their oath were ordered to stay in their barracks. However, defying this order, they lined up and sang the National Anthem of Ukraine in protest. The occupiers attempted to drown out their voices with loud music, but the cadets did not stop. This moment became yet another symbol of resistance, shattering Russia’s myth of Crimea’s “nationwide support” for the occupation.

The cadets faced constant pressure—from conversations with pro-Russian officers to propaganda about well-organized food supplies for Russian troops and promises of a bright future in Russian service. They were urged to stay, lured by privileges, better conditions in the Russian Black Sea Fleet, stable provisions, and protection. At the same time, they were threatened with consequences if they remained loyal to Ukraine. Despite this continuous pressure, many refused to betray their oath and join the occupiers. Every morning, the occupiers raised the Russian flag, but in defiance, 200 cadets loyal to Ukraine raised the Ukrainian Navy flag, demonstrating that they had not broken and would not surrender.

For two more weeks, the Ukrainian cadets remained in occupied territory, trying to organize their departure. At Russian-controlled checkpoints, they were subjected to thorough searches, interrogations, and deliberate delays for hours—a psychological tactic meant to break them. Despite all obstacles, the cadets successfully reached mainland Ukraine.

On April 5, 2014, the cadets arrived in Odesa, where they were transferred to the Land Forces Academy. Later, they were assigned to the Naval Forces Faculty, established at the Odesa National Maritime Academy, where they continued their training and service as part of the Ukrainian Navy.