In the spring of 2014, Russia captured the popular Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Ukraine, which was a very popular holiday destination for Russians during Soviet times. Euphoria in the country of the Kremlin ruler was relatively high at first. “Crimea is ours,” they said happily. Today, however, the situation is extremely bleak.
In the beginning, the world seemed fine to many. Crimea was a well-known holiday destination for many Russians. Especially for those who still grew up in the USSR – at a time when you could not travel abroad. Crimea aroused childhood memories and always belonged to them.
For the Russians it is something like Croatia or Italy for the Austrians. When people noticed that the peninsula had been annexed, many responded, “Yes, how else can you take it back?”
“Almost like in Europe”
After the annexation, many efforts were made to make the peninsula’s hotels and beaches attractive. In Soviet times, holidays were still very simple, modesty was the order of the day. But now the population was used to holiday destinations such as Spain and Greece. So you had to “upgrade”. With success – many Russians praised the comfort. “Almost like in Europe” was a common opinion. But always with the addition of “almost”. How is that possible? There was something “weird”, but no further explanation followed.
On February 24, tensions by Russia due to the annexation of Crimea finally culminated in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Many Ukrainians date the beginning of the war as March 18, 2014 – the day when Russia illegally annexed the beautiful corner of the world.
The situation can escalate at any time
Today, the situation in Crimea is extremely difficult. For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the reconquest of the Black Sea Peninsula is one of the main war goals and the main condition for peace. So the situation could escalate at any moment. However, some Russians still want to vacation there this summer and are ready to put up with all the hardships – because there are currently no flights.
Beaches partially cleared
Meanwhile, information is circulating on social networks that “something is being built” on the west coast of the peninsula. In this context, the vacationers would be split between the south coast and the east, it said. Photos show real fortresses.
Love greater than the mind
Still, many rely on the security measures the country is taking “to protect tourists”. In the forum “Otdych v Krymu” (English: “Vacation in Crimea”), readers voted. The question was: “Do you plan to go on holiday to Crimea next summer?” 20 percent said “yes, I’m going to drive,” 30 percent said “I hope I can,” and 12 percent said, “No, I’m not going there.” That leaves four percent. And they said, “I I’m already in Crimea!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
