Crimea is a part of Russia more than six years, so “The Crimean Magazine” has decided to present a compilation of twenty bright and significant quotes the government officials, artists, politicians, musicians and sportsmen had given about the Crimean region.
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin:
“After a hard and exhausting sail, Sevastopol and Crimea moved back to the native harbor, which is Russia — their true home port. Great thanks Crimeans and citizens of Sevastopol for their consecutive position. We worried much of them. Our dear Russia opened its heart and soul for them”.
Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matviyenko:
“Returning of Crimea back to Russia is not an act of annexation or war aggression at all. That is almost a 100 percent declaration of will of Crimean habitants, who relied on the International Law and resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Other people and countries must understand that the Crimeans’ expression of will is the major priority. Nobody can repeal it or bargain about a Crimean citizens’ right to define their own fate in this world. It is not about any compromises”.
Permanent member of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergey Naryshkin:
“First of all, a national self-determination of Crimea is a will of citizens of Crimea and Sevastopol supported by all the people of Russia. How can we refuse from them (meant hypothetical Russian rejection from Crimea – editorial note)? Probably, our Western opponents judge Russia by their own behavior, so people’s opinions, will and historical memory really mean nothing for them”.
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev:
“Without any exaggeration, the year of 2014 was the year of Crimea returned back to Russia. Most of Russian citizens interpreted the restitution of Crimea to Russia as the restoration of the historical justice. By importance and power, this event can be compared with the fall of the Berlin Wall and integration of two German republics or transferring Hong Kong and Macao back to the People’s Republic of China”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov:
“I think everybody understands that all discussions around Crimea are over. The last word in that dispute was up to the nation of Crimea and Russia. I suppose Crimea is an exceptional case from all angles. If you want, I can say it’s unique in all senses, including historical, political and patriotic ones”.
Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov:
“Citizens of Crimea needed our help. They told publicly that they wanted to return back to their Motherland, which is Russia. As a soldier and citizen of the Russian Federation, my duty was to respond to their call. I didn’t just phone. I was ready to accomplish all the tasks assigned by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces”.
Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev:
“The reason why Crimea joined the Russian Federation wasn’t just a Russia’s wish. The population of the Crimean peninsula held a referendum and by the majority of votes, they made a decision to live in Russia, but not in Ukraine. The only alternative choice of a reunion between Russia and Crimea was a mass slaughter within Crimea. Therefore, I am sure the world community must be grateful to us for the Crimean events. In contrast to the Donbas region, Crimea has avoided massive people’s causalities”.
First and last president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev:
“Crimean events happened because of locals’ desires and requests. It was good that they went through the way of the referendum. We could see that nobody set Crimeans at bay. Citizens of Crimea should dispose their gained happiness very capably and responsibly. I think it’s a joyful event and we must perceive it as a fact. The resumption of the Crimean sovereignty is a foundation. That’s why, using its sovereignty, the Crimea’s community decided to stay with Russia. I can call it a real mercy. It’s a freedom of choice and nothing can exist without it. Of course, it’s not so easy, but the world community has to accept this reality and cognize Crimea as a part of the Russian Federation”.
Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia and deputy of the State Duma Vladimir Zhirinovsky:
“Crimea can become a residence and political Mecca. The Headquarters of the United Nations can be transferred to the Republic of Crimea. Absolutely like that. Just remove the UN’s Headquarters from the USA and place it on the territory of Crimea. It will definitely unite all the nations in the world. Moreover, there is a comfortable transport communication too. Crimea possesses a perfect future in all positions”.
Russian actor, scriptwriter and filmmaker Nikita Mikhalkov:
“I have invited several (foreign movie celebrities – editorial note) to Moscow not even Crimea. One of them said he was very busy. The other one couldn’t come because of the contract. To my mind, when this fact (Crimea as a part of Russia – editorial note) becomes a matter-of-course phenomenon for the world society, everybody will visit the Crimean peninsula. The region is very unique, as only here you will be able to find such a sea, so beautiful seashore and filled air. It’s a cradle of christening of the Orthodox Rus”.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko:
“You know my position about Crimea. You (Ukrainian authorities – editorial note) exposed yourself and think it’s your land. You had to fight for it. You didn’t do that. It means you said Crimea was not a part of your country. So don’t moan and feel sore about it then”.
Former president of France Nicolas Sarkozy:
“Crimea chose Russia. We can’t blame it for that choice. We have got the joint civilization with Russia. Interests of Americans and Russians can’t be called interests of Europe and Russia. We don’t want the Cold War resurrected”.
Member of the European Parliament Thierry Mariani:
“I am originally from the South of France. So, I can say for sure that flavors in Crimea are quite similar to flavors in France. I waked up in the morning and heard cicadas chirp. The same sounds usually awaken me in the morning in France. Citizens of Crimea are very direct and sincere people. They are like people in my Motherland”.
President of the National Rally Marine Le Pen:
“The European Union (EU) supported the radical changes inside of Ukraine, what allowed citizens of Crimea selected Russia as their true home. We all know that Crimea is an indispensable part of the Russian Federation. The situation in Crimea mustn’t be discussed again. I think the countries of the EU didn’t want to recognize the own mistakes, so currently it’s time for them to accept the assessment of those events before they will make new mistakes”.
Ex-prime minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi:
“There are about 87 percent of habitants of Crimea participated in the referendum and 93 percent of them voted for separation from Ukraine and for the right to be an autonomous republic in borders of the Russian Federation. You should see how friendly, respectfully and lovingly Crimeans greeted Vladimir Putin. With words: “Thank you, Vladimir”, women were throwing themselves in arms of Putin”.
Member of the Sejm Janusz Korwin-Mikke:
“Twenty five years ago, I said Russia must possess Crimea. They (authorities of Ukraine – editorial note) have to realize that nobody will give back Crimea to them. The most part of the Crimean population doesn’t want to stay in Ukraine. I know it personally, as I’ve visited the Republic of Crimea and talked to people in the local streets”.
American rock musician and former vocalist of Deep Purple and Rainbow bands:
“Here (in Crimea – editorial note) only positive events will happen, as the truth is on your side. I am not afraid of meeting sanctions. Will they (USA authorities) put me into the jail or what? The restrictions aimed at Crimea can be compared with sanctions against God. That’s not fair. It’s a kind of the Western propaganda. Countries of the West don’t say any truthful facts about the situation in Crimea”.
Musician, rapper and frontman of the “Limp Bizkit” band Fred Durst:
“I want to help citizens of the USA understand how beautiful and awesome Russia is. I will start producing films and TV serials and creating new brands in Crimea, but I need to have two passports. It’s rather important. I think I won’t face with ID document problems. I would be very happy to have a Russian passport and comfortable cozy country cottage in the Republic of Crimea”.
Former world boxing champion in four weight classes Roy Jones Jr.:
“I saw a lot of happy people here (in Crimea – editorial note). To my mind, sport activities must help not only Crimeans, but also Russia in general to engage a dialogue with the United States of America”.
