Crimean Tatar flag raised outside MFA Ukraine HQ in Kyiv

The flag was raised as the Crimean Tatar anthem Ant Etkenmen (I have sworn) was being performed, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Crimean Tatar flag has been raised outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine / Photo: Kyrylo Chubotin, Ukrinform

Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov noted that today, the flag is a symbol of resistance to Russian occupation.

“There is no doubt among Ukrainians that Crimea will be liberated thanks to the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, in whose ranks Crimean Tatar soldiers are fighting with dignity... There is a Ukrainian state – the Crimean Tatar people will stand, and our flag will fly,” he noted.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis thanked the Crimean Tatars, who, despite the ongoing occupation, continue to fight, convey the truth, and defend Ukraine in the ranks of the Defense Forces.

He added that the deportation of Crimeans has already been recognized as an act of genocide in seven countries, assuring that the ministry will continue to work on such recognition in other countries.

“We will work together so that this wonderful flag will soon fly freely again alongside the Ukrainian state flag over deoccupied Crimea,” the diplomat emphasized.

The ceremony was also attended by the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine for Crimea, Olha Kuryshko.

As Ukrinform reported, on June 26, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the National Flag of the Crimean Tatars. The golden tamga, the coat of arms on a blue cloth, symbolizes unity, invincibility, and struggle of the indigenous people of Crimea for their rights and freedom.