The Crimea Crisis
An International Law Perspective
Christian Marxsen*
Abstract 367
I. The Escalation of the Conflict in Ukraine 368
II. Legal Obligations between Russia and Ukraine 370
III. The Russian Intervention in Crimea 372
1. Protection of Nationals Abroad and of the Russian-speaking Population 372
2. Intervention upon Invitation 374
IV. The Legality of the Crimean Secession from Ukraine 380
1. Legality of the Referendum 380
2. Legality of the Declaration of Independence 383
3. Self-Determination and Secession 384
V. Conclusion: The Legal Situation after Crimea’s Accession to Russia 389