After ukrainian independence in 1991, most of the peninsula was reorganised as the autonomous republic of crimea. The soviet fleet in crimea was in contention, but a 1997 treaty allowed russia to Ò€¦ Ukrainian forces have opened the year by tearing holes in russiaÒ€ℒs layered air defenses, striking highÒ€'value systems in occupied crimea and near donetsk while also hitting drone infrastructure