Pierre Crom

  • [TSE NASHE]
  • Ukraine
    • O.C. South summer 2022
    • Russia invades Ukraine further
    • winter 2016
    • summer 2015
    • spring 2015
    • winter 2015
    • summer 2014
    • MH17
    • Donbas 2014
    • Crimea 2014
    • War in Ukraine
    • War in Ukraine on Google Maps
  • Amaranthine
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Following the Russian annexation of the Crimea in March 2014, the eyes of the world turned to Ukraine’s easternmost part. Just a month after Crimea broke away from Ukraine, activists in Donetsk unofficially founded the Donetsk People’s Republic.

Unlike in Crimea, no Russian army bases had previously been based in the region. Instead, civilians were engaged to drive a process of annexation. Armed militia groups from the local area set up roadblocks and put up banners containing anti-Western and anti-European slogans. They stormed administration buildings, police stations and army bases.

The Ukrainian army launched its anti-terror operation in an attempt to crackdown the opposition. The self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic went ahead with a referendum on 11 May to determine independence from Ukraine. The vote was deemed illegal by both Kiev and Western governments and unrest in the region remained.

Pcholkino, April 16, 2014 - Russian-backed separatists and pro-Russian civilians disarm a Ukrainian military convoy. © Pierre Crom

Sloviansk, May 02, 2014 - Olga Kulygina from Moscow takes part in a military operation as Ukrainian forces surround Sloviansk. © Pierre Crom

Sloviansk, May 10, 2014 - Russian-backed separatists rest in a base located in a residential area. © Pierre Crom