[3] A power struggle ensued between Crimean politicians who were pro-Russian and those loyal to Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.

[4] In early May 2006, politicians loyal to Yushchenko joined with four small political parties to create a 76-member majority in the Crimean parliament, which has 100 total members.

[4] The Constitution of Ukraine requires that the country's president approve of any candidate nominated for Prime Minister of Crimea.

President Viktor Yanukovych appointed Plakida as his acting presidential representative in Crimea in October 2010.

[2] Yanukovych dismissed Plakida in January 2011 in favor of Volodymyr Yatsuba, the former Minister of Regional Development and Construction.