The Fifth Summit of the International Crimea Platform became the first to be held on the global stage – on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized this in his address.
“This is to show the global harm caused by Russia’s occupation of Crimea – and also the harm caused by the world’s powerful nations for not responding firmly and in time to Russia’s aggression in Crimea. It was that weak reaction that brought back Russia’s addiction to war and raids,” he said.
The President stressed that it was in Crimea that Russia broke one of the basic rules of normal life among nations, and that such Russia’s actions showed many predators around the world how easy it can be to take a piece of another state.
“Ukraine is home to many peoples and especially to the indigenous people of Crimea – Crimean Tatars. A people who can truly feel what “home” means only in Crimea. Russians have many places on their vast land to feel at home. But for them, it is never, never, never enough,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The Head of State called for action to ensure that Russia knows the world remembers, will not forgive, and is fighting for international law and basic human justice to prevail.
“I thank everyone who maintains and strengthens sanctions in response to Russia's war. And it’s important to coordinate sanctions fast – our steps with partners, and their steps with each other,” the President said.
The Head of State noted that civilians suffer most from the annexation of Crimea. Russia constantly persecutes and represses residents of the peninsula for speaking out, for their desire for freedom, and even for their faith. Many Crimean prisoners have been deprived of liberty since 2014.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine is taking measures to prevent Crimea from being turned into a large Russian military base, which is why Ukrainian long-range drones are striking Russian logistics and military targets.
“So, Ukraine’s main message is this: Do not let war become part of the norm. Russia very much wants to make war the “new normal.” And this is exactly what we must resist – not allowing killings and Russian occupation to become something the world can simply turn a blind eye to,” the President concluded.
The meeting gathered more than 60 participants, including around 40 heads of state and government, as well as representatives of international organizations. They assured of their continued support for Ukraine.
