Russia defends 2014 Crimea annexation

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement defending the 2014 annexation of Crimea. The ministry described the 2014 referendum, which led to the peninsula's incorporation into Russia, as a 'return to the home port'. This rhetoric reinforces Moscow's long-standing position that the move was a legitimate act of self-determination, despite widespread international condemnation. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine, where Crimea remains a key strategic and symbolic flashpoint.