Russian Defense Ministry to shoot 'truthful film' on annexation of Crimea
Russia’s Defense Ministry plans to create its own film studio in the “Patriot” park near Moscow, where it will shoot a “truthful film”, Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu told the Russian TV channel Zvezda in an interview.
“We want there to be a good, truthful film, and that is why we have begun and, I think, will soon make that very film studio, film center, where we will shoot the film. Incidentally, it will be here, in the Patriot park, and in various areas in Moscow,” the minister said.
Among the recent developments worthy of a film, Shoygu mentioned the annexation of Crimea.
“The great referendum, the people’s enthusiasm, and it is plain and simple to everyone that it was truly the will of the people… One film will be shot about this part,” he said.
The film “Crimea”, produced in conjunction with the Defense Ministry, was premiered in Russia in 2017. The producers describe it as a “story of love, faith and honor, fortitude and true friendship” set during Russia’s annexation of the peninsula in 2014.
In February 2014, armed people in uniforms without insignias appeared in Crimea and captured the Supreme Council of Crimea, the Simferopol Airport, the Kerch ferry crossing and other strategic objects, and prevented the Ukrainian army from taking action. Initially, the Russian government refused to acknowledge that these armed people were Russian soldiers, but President Vladimir Putin later admitted it.
On 16 March 2014, a referendum on the status of Crimea was held in Crimea and Sevastopol, in which the inhabitants supposedly voted for the peninsula to become part of Russia. The outcome of the so-called referendum is not recognized by Ukraine, the EU or the US. On 18 March, Putin announced the “annexation” of Crimea to Russia.
International organizations have declared the occupation and annexation illegal and condemned Russia’s actions. Western countries have imposed economic sanctions on Russia in connection with the annexation. Russia claims to have “restored historical justice”. Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, declared 20 February 2014 the start of Russia’s temporary occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol.