Ukrainian president introduces Day of Resistance to Crimea's Occupation

He said this in Kyiv on Wednesday at the Age of Crimea Forum 2020 dedicated to the Day of Crimean Resistance to Russian Occupation, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"On this day, exactly six years ago, Simferopol saw the largest gathering in support of the integrity and unity of our state. Honoring the courage and heroism of all participants in the rally, today I am signing a decree on the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. This day will be marked annually on February 26," Zelensky said.

He added that returning Crimea to Ukraine's control is not only his goal as president or position as a citizen of Ukraine, not only a common dream of Ukrainians, but also a pledge of security on the planet and restoration of faith in international law.

On February 26, Ukraine marks the Day of Crimean Resistance to Russian Occupation.

On this day in 2014, a rally in support of Ukraine's territorial integrity was held in front of the building of the Crimean Supreme Council. At the time, pro-Ukrainian protesters were opposed by pro-Russian activists, including those from the Russian Unity Party. Clashes erupted between the parties, in which two people were killed and several dozen were injured.

After the occupation of the peninsula, the Russian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case (the so-called "February 26 case") and staged a political trial over a number of Crimean Tatar activists.

International organizations declared the occupation and annexation of Crimea illegal and condemned Russia's actions. Western countries imposed a number of economic sanctions. Russia denies the occupation of the peninsula.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine officially declared February 20, 2014 the start of Russia's temporary occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol.

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