Evil of genocide changed ideological cover, but did not change its essence and targets - Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote about this in a telegram on the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatar People, Ukrinform reports.

"Eighty years ago, one of the most terrible crimes against human life was committed: the Soviet authorities deported the Crimean Tatar people. Both children and adults - everyone. In a few days. Ruthlessly. To a foreign land. To the accompaniment of lies. The exact number of deaths is still unknown - at least one third of the Crimean Tatar people lost their lives in this deportation. And people were able to return home only decades later. But the perpetrator was not punished. The regime was not convicted," Zelensky wrote.

According to him, the disregard for human life and state violence that prevailed in the last century have been revived in our time.

The Head of State noted that ten years ago, "the old evil - the evil of genocide - updated its form, changed its ideological cover, but did not change its essence and targets and also moved against Ukraine, starting with Crimea."

"It is our common historical duty to respond to Russia's attacks with the resilience of our people, the victory of our state over the evil of occupation and just punishment for all Russian crimes of this war since 2014. By defending Ukraine, our people and the truth about what happened on our land, we honour the memory of all those whose lives were destroyed and affirm the power of humanity - the power for our future generations," Zelensky added.

On Saturday, 18 May, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Struggle for the Rights of the Crimean Tatar People and commemorates the victims of the genocide of the Crimean Tatars on the 80th anniversary of the tragedy - their mass deportation.

Photo: OP