A Crimean Future: Lessons from Kaliningrad

If Moscow’s experience with Kaliningrad is any indicator, solidifying ties with Crimea will not be simple, regardless whether or not a majority of Crimeans voted for annexation by Russia.

by Gary Bearden

In mid-July, news came from the Ukrainian government that it would create a specific agency to handle the task of securing Crimea’s reintegration into the rest of the country. Russian troops formally took control of Crimea on March 18, 2014 after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the region’s Treaty of Accession.

As if reintegrating …