“I urge you not to stop until Russia ceases its crimes and releases all illegally detained Ukrainian citizens”  – Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Tamila Tasheva

At the beginning of the speech, the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Tamila Tasheva highlighted the significance of the peninsula in the formation of the Crimean Tatar people, calling Crimea “the central element of the Crimean Tatar identity”. Tamila Tasheva described how the occupying administration is trying to destroy the traits of the Crimean Tatar identity today. It was stated that 117 out of 180 Crimean political prisoners are Crimean Tatars. Then the Permanent Representative added: “During the occupation, the Russian occupying administrations have destroyed established economic ties, formed their own judicial and law enforcement systems, introduced Russian standards in education and social protection, and under various pretexts have expropriated private property and land from Ukrainian citizens.” 

Nevertheless, the Permanent Representative emphasized that Ukraine is already preparing to tackle the consequences of the Russian occupation. Currently, one of the main priorities of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the AR of Crimea is to train professionals who will restore the peninsula. “We need everyone who loves and understands Crimea and is ready to work on its reintegration,” said Tamila Tasheva. Furthermore, a comprehensive document which answers key questions about the future of Crimea after liberation in terms of governance, justice, property rights and overcoming humanitarian challenges has been developed.