In June 1993, the Russian General Staff warned of escalating tensions over the unresolved status of the Black Sea Fleet (ChF), driven by Ukraine's territorial claims over Crimea and control of fleet assets. Disputes over the division of the fleet and its infrastructure, compounded by Ukrainian efforts to assert authority over ChF personnel and facilities, risked destabilizing regional security. The memo advised that Russia should push firmly for joint control of fleet infrastructure and, if necessary, question Crimea's 1954 transfer to Ukraine, while using diplomatic efforts to highlight the risks of ongoing deadlock.

Between 1991 and 1993, Crimea's political status became a source of conflict with Ukraine, as Crimean authorities pursued declarations of sovereignty and independence, while Ukraine asserted its territorial integrity. After initial moves toward secession, including plans for an independence referendum and the adoption of a separate constitution, tensions were partially eased when Crimea introduced a constitution acknowledging its status within Ukraine. However, debates over autonomy and governance continued, with further legislative developments pending in 1993.

By mid-1993, tensions over control of the Black Sea Fleet (ChF) escalated sharply due to Ukrainian attempts to assert authority over the fleet, provoking protests and defections to Russian command, particularly in Sevastopol and Crimea. The crisis stems from the stalled implementation of the 1992 Yalta Agreement, which outlined shared Russian-Ukrainian oversight, while competing national interests and rising nationalist pressures have blocked a clear resolution. With local unrest growing and no firm diplomatic progress, the situation risks further destabilization without an urgent legal and political settlement at the highest levels.

Kohl and Kravchuk discuss Ukraine-Russia relations and problems within the newly established Commonwealth of Independent States. They review the prospects for the dismantlement of nuclear and chemical weapons in Ukraine.

Gorbachev and other Politburo members discussed the pressing issue of the return of Crimean Tatars to Crimea.

Sergey Khrushchev, son of Nikita Khrushchev, recalls the 1954 transfer of Crimea from Soviet Russian to Soviet Ukraine. At the time it was an uncontroversial decision, but later after the fall of the Soviet Union the loss of Crimea was seen in a negative light by the Russian public.

Meeting minutes from Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet during which the transfer of Crimea from Russia to Ukraine was approved.

Korotchenko and Nizhnik report that the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR adopted a decree approving the transfer of Crimea to the Ukraine.

Decree by the Ukrainian SSR (here abbreviated USSR) approving of the transfer of Crimea to Ukraine.

Minutes recording a decree for the transfer of Crimea from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic to the Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic (here abbreviated USSR).