24 September 2025

The President of the Republic of Estonia delivered a speech at the Fifth Summit of the Crimea Platform

“As Russia wages its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, occupying one-fifth of its territory and continuing the occupation of Crimea, we must remain unwavering in our non-recognition,” Alar Karis, the President of the Republic of Estonia, said.

Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, acknowledged in his address the suffering endured by those still living under Russian occupation in Crimea. He stressed that the greatest hardship stems from the ongoing war and aggression on the peninsula.

The Estonian head of state emphasized the vital role of free media and access to reliable information in Crimea. He drew attention to the fact that 50 individuals in occupied Crimea have already been convicted by the Russian regime simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression. The President of Estonia described it as a clear attempt to silence independent voices and suppress the truth in Crimea.