Crimea’s annexation by Russia violated a whole range of the fundamental principles of
international law and international treaties guaranteeing Ukraine’s territorial integrity,
the inviolability of its borders, and security. By annexing Crimea, Russia also violated the
estoppel principle of law and international morality. In light of the principles of contemporary
international law, as well as in light of the Russian doctrine of international law, the arguments
put forward by Russia’s President Putin, Russian officials, and international lawyers are untenable
and in contradiction of the previous Russian doctrine’s approach towards the relationship
between the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity.