Macron reminds Russia about international law speaking at Crimea Platform

"Eight years ago, Russia illegally annexed part of the territory of Ukraine, violated the fundamental norms of international law... France has always supported the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine and will continue to do so in the future... I would like to remind Russia about its obligations to comply with international law," President of France Emmanuel Macron said at the 2nd summit of the Crimea Platform, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The French president also pointed out the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and the observance of human rights on the peninsula during its temporary occupation by Russia.

"A year ago, we gathered and condemned the annexation of Crimea. Ukraine chose the path of diplomacy, while Russia chose the path of war and once again violated the foundations of international law by launching a full-scale invasion on February 24," Macron said.

The French leader assured that France, the EU, and other allies would continue to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the fight against the aggressor.

"Our determination remains unchanged. We are ready to continue making our efforts in the long term," Macron assured.

According to him, the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine concerns all the countries of the world as it is linked with the destabilization of international law, international order, has humanitarian consequences and implications in the energy and food spheres.

"All these are the consequences of the choice made by Russia. By choosing to attack Ukraine on February 24 <...> Russia departed from the principles of international law, violated them, and we consider this a weakness <...> I once again call on Russia to stop hostilities, to withdraw troops from the territory of Ukraine," Macron said.

As reported, almost 60 representatives of different world countries, including 40 presidents and prime ministers, take part in the 2nd summit of the Crimea Platform held in Kyiv today. This year, representatives of two more continents – Africa and South America – participate in the summit for the first time.

As President Zelensky said in his opening remarks, Ukraine will continue to make every effort to de-occupy Crimea by any means, despite all the actions of Russia against Ukrainians and the Ukrainian state.

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