Originally Posted by
Polite Russian
I dont remember being said, that Ukriane took Crimea by force. Papokarlo is right, it was given away by Brezhnev. And before that Ukraine ALLWAYS was a part of Russian Empire. The whole Russia starts from Ukraine. As we say here, Kiev - Mother of Russian Cities.
To be precise not by Brezhnev, but by Khrushchev in 1954 with violation of Legislation.
Indifferent alike to praise or blame
Give heed, O Muse, but to the voice Divine
Fearing not injury, nor seeking fame,
Nor casting pearls to swine.
(A.Pushkin)