What event in 2014 further deteriorated relations?

• A. Russia joined BRICS
• B. Russia lifted sanctions
• C. Russia hosted the Winter Olympics
• D. Russia's annexation of Crimea

Answer: (D)

When relations between countries deteriorate, actions that challenge sovereignty and international law tend to have the strongest impact. In 2014, Russia’s annexation of Crimea after a disputed referendum effectively absorbed Ukrainian territory into Russia. This move was widely condemned as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and of international law, triggering a severe diplomatic crisis.

As a result, Western governments imposed sanctions, Moscow’s relations with the United States and European Union deteriorated, and NATO and other powers increased their security postures in Europe. The other events listed—Sochi hosting the Winter Olympics, joining BRICS, or lifting sanctions—do not reflect actions that produced the same broad, lasting deterioration in relations. The annexation of Crimea is the event that significantly worsened ties.