Fifth Summit of the Crimea Platform

On Wednesday, 24 September, the Fifth Summit of the International Crimea Platform was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event brought together over 60 participants, including 19 heads of state and government, as well as ministers and senior officials from 34 countries across all continents and representatives of seven international organizations.

Addressing the summit participants, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it was in Crimea that Russia violated one of the fundamental rules of peaceful coexistence between nations by carrying out an illegal attempt to annex the Ukrainian peninsula. According to him, Russia’s actions in Crimea demonstrated to many “predators” around the world how a part of another state can be seized.

“Crimea is not just a piece of territory. For millions of Ukrainians — and especially for the residents of Crimea — it is home, identity, and way of life. For Russia, territorial expansion has become a habit that is never enough. We must remember what Crimea truly means and act in a way that holds Russia accountable. We will not forget. We will not forgive,” stated the Head of State.

He also underscored:

“We cannot allow war to become part of the norm. Russia is determined to make war the ‘new normal.’ And this is exactly what we must prevent — we must not allow killings and Russian occupation to become something the world can simply turn a blind eye to. There must be no easing or lifting of sanctions on Russia while the war and occupation continue. And there can be no forgiveness for what Russia has done — starting from 2014. The occupier must be held accountable for the occupation and for all its crimes.”

In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha stated that the record level of representation at this year’s summit demonstrates not only support for Ukraine but also firm backing for the most fundamental principle of the UN — the territorial integrity of states.

“This summit sends a powerful message of hope to Ukrainians in Crimea, to the Crimean Tatars, and to everyone who does not lose faith that justice will be restored. This summit reaffirms the truth — Crimea is Ukraine,” noted the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The Foreign Minister highlighted that the increasing number of summit participants reflects that the issue of Crimea and the principle of territorial integrity remain critically important for the entire world. According to the Minister, for Ukraine, as one of the founding members of the United Nations, the UN Charter is not merely a document but the cornerstone of international law.

“Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity is vital for restoring the authority of the UN Charter. International law must prevail. Peace must be restored,” he remarked.

Leader of the Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev addressed the summit participants, recalling the history of Russian repression against the Crimean Tatar people and calling for a firm policy toward the aggressor, the non-recognition of temporarily occupied territories, and the liberation of Crimea.

“The interests of some states allow them to ignore the moral and ethical principles of international law,” stated Mustafa Dzhemilev.

In his speech, Mustafa Dzhemilev emphasized that the liberation of Crimea is a matter of survival for the Crimean Tatars, given the ongoing persecution of the indigenous population by the occupying administration. At present, Russia is waging war not only against Ukraine but against the entire civilized world. Mustafa Dzhemilev also stressed that any so-called “peace treaty” imposed by Russia on Ukraine would only be a lull before a new, even bloodier war.

Representatives of the participating countries highlighted in their statements their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and reaffirmed that Crimea is an inseparable part of Ukraine.

In conclusion, Andrii Sybiha expressed deep gratitude to every state that stands in solidarity with Ukraine and shares the ultimate goal of restoring comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the UN Charter.

The Fifth Summit of the Crimea Platform was organized jointly by the Crimea Platform, the Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

At the Fifth Summit of the International Crimea Platform, the New York Declaration was adopted, confirming the commitment of states to the goals and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the renunciation of the use of force, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. The document recognizes the consistent and principled position of the UN General Assembly in upholding these norms of international law and reaffirms the illegality of any territorial acquisitions resulting from aggression, as well as the non-recognition of attempts at annexation and temporary occupation of Ukrainian territory.