24 November 2025
During the fourth Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform, delegations from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, the United States and Belgium delivered speeches
”The idea that borders can be changed by force is extremely dangerous. It implies a vision of a world where the power of rules yields before the rule of power,” — Gordan Jandroković, Speaker of the Parliament of Croatia.
Gordan Jandroković drew parallels between the history of Croatia and Ukraine, noting that his country understands well the cost of freedom and fighting against an aggressor who refuses to accept another nation’s political choice. He emphasized that supporting Ukraine is a defense of shared values and an investment in a safer future, urging the international community to remain firm in its resolve and to maintain pressure on Russia to restore justice.
“My Czech colleagues and some European politicians argue that peace must be achieved at any cost, including handing Crimea over to Vladimir Putin, who will then, presumably, start behaving himself again. Nothing could be further from the truth. Do not fall for the Chamberlains of today!”, — Jiří Drahoš, First Vice-President of the Senate of the Czech Republic.
Jiří Drahoš warned the international community against repeating the mistakes of the Munich Agreement of 1938, reminding that attempting to appease an aggressor at the cost of territorial concessions leads only to an even greater war. He emphasized that there can be no peace that the Ukrainians themselves do not want, and urged partners to provide maximum military and humanitarian aid so that Russia bears full responsibility for its crimes.
“We must reiterate today, again and again, as a mantra, that Crimea is Ukraine; that Russia’s attempts to alter borders by military force are illegal; and that the crimes committed by Russia will not be swept under the carpet,” — Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia.
The Speaker emphasized that the Baltic states understand the threat from Russia very well, having spent 50 years under Soviet occupation, and urged Europe not to stop pressuring the aggressor. She stressed the need to confiscate Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine and called for the complete isolation of Russia until justice and Ukraine’s territorial integrity are restored.
“We will continue to work together with President Trump, Republican and Democratic leaders in our Congress, and our European allies to help restore peace and prosperity for the Ukrainian people. We understand that peace cannot be achieved through weakness. Peace is secured through strength. And it is this principle that guides the new American foreign policy,” — Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
In his address, Mike Johnson assured that the United States, together with its allies, remains committed to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of tougher sanctions on Moscow and strengthening Europe’s energy security through American LNG to deprive Russia of leverage, stressing that the principles of territorial integrity are not up for debate.
“Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine. We condemn the attempted annexation of Ukrainian territory, which violates the UN Charter. Russia must be held responsible and pay for the devastation it caused. And, let us be clear, Ukraine must be at the very center of all peace efforts,” — Vincent Blondel, President of the Senate of Belgium.
Vincent Blondel shared his personal impressions from his visit to Bucha and Kyiv, noting that the atrocities he witnessed are forever etched in his mind. He emphasized that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is not just a geopolitical challenge but a profound threat to European security and shared values, which is why the world must pursue full accountability for the aggressor regarding war crimes, torture, and abductions.