August 24, 2025

Anthem of a Disputed Land


Anthem of a Disputed Land
Something to listen to while enjoying a summer getaway. Wikimedia Commons, Alexxx1979.

On August 22, the head of the Crimean parliament, Vladimir Konstantinov, announced via Telegram that the region had adopted a new anthem. According to Konstantinov, the new anthem "emphasizes the struggle of generations of Crimeans to return to their homeland [and] the inseparable connection of Crimea with Russia."

The new anthem was adopted on Russia's Flag Day and was composed by a local poet and a former regional senator. While audio recordings of it are scarce online, its final line reportedly reads, "Heroic Crimea is the honor and pride of Russia."

Crimea was invaded by unmarked Russian troops in 2014, following a westward turn in Ukraine, and it was subsequently "annexed" by an act of the Russian Duma. All but a few members of the international community have failed to recognize Moscow's claim.

In recent years, Crimea has come to symbolize Russian belligerence, as it, along with the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, remain under Moscow's rule, even as Russia's full-scale invasion simmers. The full integration of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk remain key parts of a potential Russia-approved peace plan.

As such, the new anthem is part of a larger effort by Kremlin-approved authorities to bring Crimea further into the Russian fold. The anthem is slated to be played in schools on Sept. 1, a major holiday marking students' return to the classroom. It replaces a previous song adopted in 2000 that left out any mention of Russia.

You Might Also Like

Cleaning up Kerch Strait Oil Spill
  • December 25, 2024

Cleaning up Kerch Strait Oil Spill

A massive oil spill in the Kerch Strait has polluted miles of shoreline in Russia’s Krasnodar Oblast, killing birds and dolphins.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

A Taste of Chekhov

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.
A Taste of Russia

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.
Chekhov Bilingual

Chekhov Bilingual

Some of Chekhov's most beloved stories, with English and accented Russian on facing pages throughout. 
Driving Down Russia's Spine

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 
Murder at the Dacha

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.
Woe From Wit (bilingual)

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.
Faith & Humor: Notes from Muscovy

Faith & Humor: Notes from Muscovy

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.
Dostoyevsky Bilingual

Dostoyevsky Bilingual

Bilingual series of short, lesser known, but highly significant works that show the traditional view of Dostoyevsky as a dour, intense, philosophical writer to be unnecessarily one-sided. 
Fearful Majesty

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955