Russia seized Crimea in February–March 2014, shortly after the EuroMaidan Revolution, at a time when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had fled the country and the new authorities were just beginning to govern. Many believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin took advantage of the moment and annexed the peninsula.

But when did Russia actually first attempt to seize Crimea?And why, long before the annexation — while Russian leaders publicly declared friendship with Ukraine and recognized its territorial integrity — were Russian flags already flying in Crimean cities, Russian warships present, festivals celebrating the Russian language held, and Russia's Empress Catherine glorified across the peninsula? All the while, leading Russian politicians were calling on Crimeans to embrace separatism on television.

The Kyiv Independent investigated how Russia gradually expanded its presence in Crimea and, in violation of international law, sought to take control of the peninsula starting in the 1990s — from violent attacks to political takeover scenarios.

We worked with video and photo archives, examined contemporary media coverage, and studied memoirs of senior officials on both the Ukrainian and Russian sides. We also spoke with participants and eyewitnesses of the key historic events in Crimea, including high-ranking officers and politicians. We also investigated the struggle over the Black Sea Fleet — a battle that effectively entrenched Russia's military in Ukrainian Crimea. This historical investigation will be released in two parts.