26 February 2025

11 Years of War. Starting Point: Crimea Keynote Address by Pina Picierno, Vice-President of the European Parliament

“I want to state firmly, on behalf of the European Parliament, that Russia’s occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol is illegal, and most of all, it represents the beginning of Russia’s atrocities,” Vice-President of the European Parliament Pina Picierno stated.

In her video address at the Forum “11 Years of War. Starting Point: Crimea”, the Vice-President of the European Parliament emphasized that Vladimir Putin’s aggression did not stop with the occupation of Crimea and will not end within Ukraine’s borders. She stressed that if the European Union member states do not take immediate and decisive action to support Ukraine and deter Russia, they may face similar threats. Picierno underscored that for the European nations, it is crucial to learn from the past and use all possible means to counter the aggressor for as long as necessary.

“We should put in place stronger initiatives aimed at its de-occupation, like Crimea Platform, and intensify sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for this illegal occupation,” Vice-President of the European Parliament Pina Picierno emphasized.

The Vice-President of the European Parliament reiterated that the European Union has unequivocally condemned the illegitimate “elections” held in Crimea. She emphasized that the international community must not hesitate and take urgent and resolute action to support Ukraine.