Ukraine calls on international partners to join Crimean Platform

Ukraine continues to consolidate international efforts to achieve the full de-occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol and to hold Russia accountable for its crimes, and calls on all partners to join the Crimean Platform.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this its comment on the occasion of the Day of Resistance to Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.

“Russia seized Crimea by armed aggression and attempted its illegal annexation on the pretext of an unlawful and rigged referendum. By doing so, it grossly violated the basic principles of international law and undermined the European and global security system,” the ministry said.

The ministry stressed that from day one of the occupation, Russia has been pursuing a criminal policy of colonization and assimilation of the peninsula. It systemically violates international law and human rights, uses brutal repression against all those, who have the courage to resist the occupation.

At the same time, the Ukrainian diplomats thanked its allies and partners for their consistent and effective support in the struggle for the restoration of our country's territorial integrity.

“The international community should increase political and sanctions pressure on Russia to persuade it to liberate the occupied Ukrainian territories, release all political prisoners, and abide by the international court rulings. Ukraine continues to consolidate international efforts to achieve the complete de-occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol and to bring Russia to justice for its crimes. To this end, Ukraine is creating a new international coordination format, the Crimea Platform, and calls on all partners to join it,” the ministry said.

On 26 February, Ukraine marks the Day of Resistance to Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.