This timeline demonstrates the multiple facets of the conflict in Crimea, and how its effects are felt from the individual level, to global markets.
In response to protests around the country and particularly in Kiev due to his spurning of closer ties with the EU, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukoyvch flees the country opening the door to a change in power.
Unmarked troops believed to be from Russian special operations groups begin to appear in Crimea in support of pro-Russian militias.
President Obama announces the first round of sanctions aimed at punishing Russia for its aggressive actions in the Crimean peninsula.
Misha attends his first rally for Ukrainian sovereignty. Invigorated, he returns the next day, trying to rally his neighbors to the cause.
Misha is arrested by pro Russian militants. His neighbors note this is the last day he is seen before being taken away. "The men threw Misha onto the sidewalk, then kicked and pummeled him."
Misha is tortured and beaten throughout his captivity. He notes on this day in the evening another prisoner was electrocuted then guards cut his throat and left him. He received threats of such treatment throughout his detainment.
Misha is shot multiple times with an air gun bought specifically to torture inmates by pro-Russian militias.
Despite the lack of consensus among the citizens, pro-Russian militants organize a referendum to be annexed into Russia. Propaganda becomes common place.
Obama passes new sanctions aimed at major Russian political officials and Russian elite.
Misha remains in captivity with 9 other prisoners. "It seemed no one knew what to do with them."
Despite increased U.S. and E.U. sanctions, Putin sign's in Crimea's of annexation. Many independent organization call the vote invalid as voting turnout was minimal and account of intimidation and abuse by pro-Russian militants are widespread.
Misha and a few other prisoners are driven to a checkpoint and released. "It was like being born again."
Pavel Durov, founder of Russia's largest social media site VKontakte, resigns as CEO and flees the country. It was believed he feared Putin's continued pressure to take control of the company through investors.
The U.S. expands its presence in the region by beefing up military units around Ukraine.
Russian companies cut off gas supply to Ukraine, severely restricting their access to oil based resources.
Malaysian Airline flight MH17 is shot down over eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian and pro-Russian militias blame one another, as the plane is downed in contested war zones.
Reports from pro-Russian militias begin to surface that they shot down Malaysia Airlines MH17. They report they were told it was Ukrainian fighter planes.
Feeling the damaging effect of numerous sanctions, the Ruble begins to decline in value vs. the U.S. dollar. Falling oil prices due to over production in the market increase the rate of decline.
John Ding of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) of the United Nations reports that the Russian led conflict in Crimea is putting nearly 4 million people at risk of losing basic supplies like water and heat.
Putin enacts a one year food ban on E.U. and U.S. food imports in an attempt to fight back again their economic sanctions. The ban has significant effects on the E.U. but also at home in Russia.
The Moscow Times reports that in a recent poll, 1 in 10 Russians want to emigrate if possible. A majority of those wishing to leave are young professionals.
Due to his work which critiqued the political and religious restrictions on LGBT rights, artist Konstantin Altunin flees the country seeking asylum. He cited abuses, illegal confiscation of works, and threat of imprisonment for his critical paintings of Putin.
The ruble sits at nearly half of its value vs. the U.S. dollar it held when the Crimean crisis began. Many predict a harsh recession for Russia in 2015.
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