President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s full return to normal life is impossible without the de-occupation of Crimea. At the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform in New York on 23 September, he linked this to the restoration of security, the protection of people, the release of prisoners held by Russia and a return to the principles of international law.
Briefly about the main points
- Zelenskyy described the de-occupation of Crimea as a necessary condition for a normal life.
- The President linked the issue of the peninsula to security and the release of prisoners.
- Ukraine is demanding that Russia be held accountable for the crimes committed during the occupation.
- Kyiv is prepared to discuss the safe passage of ships as part of de-escalation efforts.
- More than 60 participants, including 16 leaders, are taking part in the summit.
Zelenskyy linked the occupation of Crimea to a breach of international law
The President said that the violations of international law began with Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014. According to him, a return to the principles of international law requires the restoration of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as the protection of human life.
Zelensky He emphasised that the issue of the peninsula is not merely a matter of control over the territory. He described it as an integral part of broader human security and the international order.
The President spoke of protecting people, securing the release of prisoners and holding Russia to account
The Head of State identified the protection of people and the release of Ukrainians held by Russia as essential conditions for the restoration of security. He referred to people in Crimea and other temporarily occupied territories, as well as Ukrainian citizens held in Russian prisons and camps.
Zelenskyy stated that they must have hope that those responsible will be held to account for the crimes committed during the occupation.
Ukraine is prepared to discuss arrangements for the safe passage of ships
A separate topic covered in the speech was safe navigation and food security in the Black Sea. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is prepared to agree to a regime for the passage of vessels that can ensure safe navigation.
At the same time, Kyiv expects Russia to take concrete steps towards de-escalation. The President linked the risks to shipping to the occupation of Crimea and the subsequent militarisation of the peninsula.
The summit is discussing human rights and international measures to end the occupation
Participants at the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform are discussing the situation on the temporarily occupied peninsula, human rights violations, the militarisation of Crimea – particularly in the areas of youth and education – as well as further international steps towards de-occupation.
According to Zelenskyy, more than 60 participants took part in the summit, including 16 leaders from various continents. Panama and Trinidad and Tobago took part in the Crimean Platform for the first time this year.
