Brink addresses Ukrainians on Day of Resistance to Russia’s Occupation of Crimea

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine published Brink's video address on Twitter.

“On February 26, 2014, thousands of Crimean Tatars and other Ukrainians gathered to declare, ‘We are Ukrainian. Crimea is Ukraine.’ As you continue to fight for your sovereignty and democracy, the U.S. will work with you to create a future that affords everyone freedom, dignity, and justice,” the Ambassador said.

On Feb. 26, 2014, thousands of Crimean Tatars & other Ukrainians gathered to declare, “We are Ukrainian. Crimea is Ukraine.” As you continue to fight for your sovereignty & democracy, the U.S. will work w/ you to create a future that affords everyone freedom, dignity, & justice. pic.twitter.com/x29uQYPa3g

— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) February 26, 2023

As noted, the US condemns Russia's despicable attempt to change Crimea’s demographics, including through appalling human filtration operations to forcibly deport and disappear Ukrainian civilians.

"We call on Russia to immediately release all Ukrainian citizens unjustly imprisoned and we join you in declaring once again: Crimea is Ukraine," Brink emphasized.

As reported, today Ukraine marks the Day of Resistance to Russia’s Occupation of Crimea.

Nine years ago, Russian sabotage groups began attempts to seize Crimea. On February 26, 2014, at the call of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, thousands of Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians, and representatives of other nationalities rallied near the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to resist the Russian occupation and declare Ukraine’s integrity. The next day, regular military formations of the Russian Federation entered the government buildings of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.