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Crimean Regional Government

The Crimean Regional Government was the supreme executive authority in Crimea in 1918, led in its first composition (June–November 1918) by Prime Minister Suleiman Sulkevych, who on behalf of the peninsula conducted negotiations with the Ukrainian State on Crimea's accession to it as an autonomous entity.

Overview

After the occupation of Crimea by German forces, General R. Kosh on 5 June 1918 entrusted Lieutenant General Suleiman Sulkevych with the formation of the regional government. The composition of the First Crimean Regional Government was published in newspapers on 21 June 1918. The government brought together representatives of three ethnic groups (Tatars, Germans, and russians); however, due to fundamental political differences, it was divided into a Tatar-German independence-minded group and a pro-russian Cadet faction. In the autumn of 1918 the government began negotiations with Kyiv, which resulted in a draft agreement on Crimea's accession to the Ukrainian State as a broad autonomy.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Formation and composition of the First Government: Formed on 5–21 June 1918. Suleiman Sulkevych held the posts of Prime Minister, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Internal, Military, and Naval Affairs.
  • Internal political split:
  • Crimean Tatar and German group: Suleiman Sulkevych, Dzhafer Seydamet, Arslan Akhmatovych, who sought to build an independent Crimean Tatar state and cooperated with the Kurultai.
  • Cadet group: V. Tatishchev, S. Gorchakov, V. Nalbandov, who viewed Crimean independence as a temporary measure until the restoration of a "united russia."
  • Negotiations with Ukraine: September–October 1918, amid an economic blockade by Ukraine; preparation of a draft agreement on Crimea's autonomy.
  • Government crisis and fall: On 11 September 1918 a crisis erupted with the resignation of the Cadet ministers. On 14 November 1918, after the withdrawal of German troops and under pressure from the municipal dumas, Sulkevych's government resigned.