Khrushchev Actually Gave Crimea to Ukraine, Says Putin

Former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev essentially gifted Crimea to Ukraine, which was part of the RSFSR, stated Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ahead of his visit to Mongolia, Putin gave a written interview to the Mongolian newspaper Onoodor, as reported by RIA Novosti.

The Russian leader noted that the current situation in Ukraine has been significantly influenced by a range of external and internal factors, with decisions made by Soviet leaders on national-territorial issues also playing a negative role.

“In 1954, N.S. Khrushchev essentially gifted Crimea, which was part of the RSFSR,” emphasized Putin. The state leader clarified that the creation of Ukraine began immediately after the 1917 revolution when quasi-state entities emerged in this territory without defined borders.

Putin highlighted that during Soviet times, the borders of union republics were drawn arbitrarily based on “proletarian necessity.” This is how Ukraine received Donbas, where the majority of the population was Russian, he noted.

“Before and after the Great Patriotic War, thanks to Joseph Stalin, territories from Poland, Romania, and Hungary became part of Ukraine,” added Putin.