evidence: Tuzla, in the Kerch Strait, was the first hybrid Russian operation against Ukraine, setting in motion a train of events that resulted in 2022’s full-scale invasion. It also established a pattern of Russian interference in other neighboring countries. [...] The Kremlin questioned whether the island belonged to Ukraine, despite the mutual recognition of borders in 1991 and 1997, while TV stations stoked anti-Ukrainian hysteria. The madness reached its peak when a TV poll found 82% of Russians said Tuzla was more important than good neighborly relations. [...] And indeed, the international community’s reaction to Tuzla was weak. It was seen as a minor incident between two states, more of a misunderstanding than a land grab.