President: De-occupation of Crimea remains among highest foreign policy priorities

"The de-occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol remains among highest foreign policy priorities. The transformation of Crimea into a military base on the Black Sea completely destroys the security architecture in the region. Countering this requires active consolidation of the efforts of the international community," Zelensky said at the All-Ukrainian Forum “Ukraine 30. International Relations”, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Therefore, Ukraine initiated the creation of the Crimean Platform, the first summit of which is scheduled for August 23, Zelensky reminded.

"The purpose of the platform is to step up international pressure on Russia to de-occupy the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and protect the rights of absolutely all Crimeans," the Head of State said.

Zelensky also said that he paid special attention to opposition to new security challenges in the Black Sea region and cooperation between the fleets of the Black Sea states.

"I pay special attention to opposition to new security challenges in the Black Sea region, cooperation between the fleets of the Black Sea states. We need to continue to be proactive here. Only consolidation of our leadership positions in the Black Sea region will allow us to maintain peace in the region, security and freedom of navigation," the President said.

The Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to increase the effectiveness of the international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, step up international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, protect victims of the occupation regime, and achieve the main goal of the de-occupation of Crimea and its return to Ukraine.

The Crimean Platform will be launched at the summit on August 23, to which the President of Ukraine invites leaders of many countries.

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