03 June 2026

Permanent Representative Held Working Meeting with Deputy Head of Mission of Germany to Ukraine

On June 3, Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko met with Deputy Head of Mission of Germany to Ukraine, Maximilian Rasch. The Regional Policy Adviser at the Embassy, Lisa Heike, also took part in the meeting.

The parties discussed the current situation in temporarily occupied Crimea, including the human rights violations, the destruction of cultural heritage, the deportation of children, and Russia’s attempts to legitimize the occupation of Crimea through the involvement of foreign citizens.

«Among the examples of the destruction of cultural heritage is the Khan’s Palace in Bakhchysarai, which has been closed for so-called ‘restoration’ and has in fact had its concept and historical narrative replaced with Russian poets, artists, and the history of the Russian Empire. There is nothing there about Ukraine, about the real Crimea, or about the Indigenous People,» noted Olha Kuryshko.

The meeting also addressed the need to strengthen efforts to raise global awareness about Crimea, develop strategic and cultural initiatives, and support Crimeans — particularly young people who have left the occupied territories — as well as the importance of sharing personal stories worldwide to highlight Russia’s crimes on the peninsula. In this context, the parties highlighted the importance of the Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and Germany, signed in April 2026.

Nelia Hrynyshyn, Head of the Crimea Platform Department, spoke about the preparation of key international events this year, including the Crimea Platform Summits and the international conference Crimea Global, aimed at strengthening dialogue with countries of the Global South.

We thank Germany for its position, its support for Ukraine, and its active participation in the Crimea Platform Summits, as well as all diplomats who remain with our country in these challenging times.