Germans also affected: Russia expropriates foreigners in Crimea

Germans also affected
Russia expropriates foreigners in Crimea

After the annexation of Crimea, Russia is now also brutally expropriating landowners on the peninsula. Owners from 55 states have to surrender their coveted coastal properties – allegedly for security reasons.

Russia, against the resistance of Ukraine, has carried out the expropriation of thousands of properties on the annexed Black Sea peninsula of Crimea. After a decree by President Vladimir Putin, foreigners are no longer allowed to own land in most regions of Crimea, as the state agency Ria Novosti reported.

Putin had already signed the decree on March 20, 2020 – then it was a year to transfer around 11,500 pieces of land to new ownership. The plots are mainly located in popular coastal regions such as Yalta, Kerch and Sudak. According to the authorities, owners from 55 countries are affected – mainly from Ukraine, to which Crimea belongs according to international law, but also from Germany, Australia and Israel.

Ukraine protested against the expropriations last year and announced lawsuits in international courts. The aim is to have Putin's decree declared invalid.

One year deadline

The owners had a year to either sell their land to Russian citizens or companies, or to let the Russian state take care of the sale. In the latter case, the money should be transferred to the old owners. Because of the restrictions imposed by the corona pandemic on trips and visits to the authorities, many of those affected had complained that it would be difficult to regulate matters.

In the Crimea, which is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, the plots in coastal regions are particularly popular. Only in a few areas are foreigners still allowed to own land.

Annexation not recognized

Russia officially justifies the move with security concerns. Accordingly, foreigners are not allowed to own land in the border area in the coastal regions of the gigantic empire. Apartments are not affected.

Russia annexed the peninsula seven years ago after a controversial referendum. The international community continues to see Crimea as part of Ukraine. The EU and the USA, among others, have imposed sanctions on Russia because of the annexation.

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