23 September 2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha delivered an address at the opening of the Sixth Summit of the Crimea Platform

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha stressed at the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform that restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity is essential to restoring respect for the UN Charter. According to him, the liberation of Crimea is today a crash test for the United Nations.

“Today, the International Crimea Platform is about security, humanity, and dignity,” Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha said.

Speaking about security, the Minister stressed that Russia is using occupied Crimea as a base for attacks on Ukraine, while the continued militarization of the peninsula threatens the entire Black Sea region. According to him, only the restoration of Ukraine’s control over Crimea can ensure lasting security in the region.

Andrii Sybiha also drew attention to politically motivated persecution. As of September 22, 316 people in occupied Crimea face politically motivated persecution, including 169 Crimean Tatars and one Karaite. He stressed that their situation must remain central to the work of the Crimea Platform.

“Crimea is Ukraine” has become more than a political statement. “Crimea is Ukraine” is a universal motto for dignity,” Andrii Sybiha stressed.