Crimea: Five Years with Russia.

Five years ago, the people of Crimea, which is a tiny peninsula located between Russia and Ukraine, made a historical choice. They decided to pay farewell to poverty, discrimination and disrespect coming from Ukrainian authorities. On March 18, 2014, the Crimeans voted to become a part of their historical Motherland - Russia. This move has been widely criticized by the Western backers of Ukraine, which is why Russia has been accused of masterminding political chaos in this neighboring country and in myriad of other evils. But for the Russian Federation as well as for all Crimean population the picture was clear, that the people exercised their right to self-determination, enshrined in the UN Charter, via a free and peaceful referendum vote in line with universal democratic standards. All criticism of Russia's policy towards Crimea fades away by the simple fact that over 96% of Crimeans voted for reunification with Russia.

We believe that after five years, it is time to look at where is the Crimea now and where it is heading. Russia managed to bring fundamental positive changes in life of Crimeans despite criticism of Western countries, regardless of international sanctions and anti-Russia information campaign in Western media. People in today's Crimea enjoy all rights and freedoms just as in any other region of Russia. Crimeans speak any language they want - Russian, Crimean Tatar, or Ukrainian, since all of them have official status. Unlike in the past, today's Crimeans can send their children to Russian, Ukrainian, or Crimean Tatar schools. Moreover, we are very proud that Crimean Muslim population now can follow freely their beliefs. They study the Holy Quran and perform Haj every year. Due to support of the Russian government, 11 new mosques have been...