World must learn Crimean Lesson - MFA statement on 12th anniversary of the illegal attempted annexation of peninsula
The Ukrainian state will never recognize the Russian occupation of the peninsula and will strive to restore its territorial integrity by all available means, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine on the 12th anniversary of the illegal attempted annexation, published on the ministry’s website on Monday.
The Ukrainian side will continue to use every international platform and legal mechanism for the de-occupation of Crimea, particularly within all dimensions of the International Crimea Platform. The "Crimean issue" will never be removed from the agenda until justice is restored, the statement read. The MFA called on the international community, all states, and international organizations to strictly adhere to the policy of non-recognition regarding Crimea and other temporarily occupied territories.
This policy includes avoiding any actions that could be perceived as legitimizing the Russian presence on the peninsula, full compliance with and strengthening of sanctions regimes, and refraining from any contact with the Russian occupation authorities. Furthermore, it demands the prohibition of visits to the temporarily occupied territories without Ukraine’s permission and ensuring the correct depiction of the map of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders in media, print, and online resources.
The ministry emphasized that the history of the occupation must serve as a precedent to ensure future violations of international law do not go unanswered. The world must learn the "Crimean Lesson": a lack of proper reaction to the brazen violation of international law only encourages the aggressor to commit further atrocities. With Moscow continuing its aggression, there can be no talk of easing restrictions; instead, all forms of pressure on the Kremlin must be intensified.
The MFA reminded that no one in the world, except for a few rogue regimes allied with Moscow, recognizes the annexation. It urged international organizations and human rights activists to maintain focus on Russian human rights violations in Crimea. Over the years of occupation, at least 430 people have faced politically motivated cases, though the real number may exceed 500. Currently, nearly 300 individuals are in Russian captivity on falsified charges, including 159 Crimean Tatars. Ukraine demands their immediate release and safe return.
The statement also noted that Russia is forcibly changing the ethnic composition of the peninsula, conducting forced mobilization, and destroying cultural heritage sites. Despite the pressure, resistance to the occupation persists among those who "keep Ukraine in their hearts." The MFA concluded by stating that stolen goods never bring happiness and must eventually be returned. History shows that nations that do not accept the theft of their territories will one day regain them. Crimea is Ukraine, and it will inevitably return to its home harbor.
March 16 marks 12 years since Russia held its fake "referendum on the status of Crimea" on the previously occupied peninsula, followed by the anniversary of the signing of the so-called "agreements on the annexation of Crimea to the Russian Federation" on March 18.
