24 November 2025
Delegations from international partner organizations delivered speeches at the Fourth Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform: Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Inter-Parliamentary Union, European Parliament, Nordic Council, and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
“We must not allow the provocation made by an authoritarian leader to pass as if nothing has happened, because if that happens it will not be only Ukraine facing the dilemma of dignity, it will be the entire thinking, civilized world,” Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, stated during his address at the Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform.
In his broader remarks, he stressed that dignity remains the core of the international order and the principle that protects nations from aggression. He highlighted that Ukraine is not isolated, as democratic partners continue to support its struggle, and underlined the importance of sustaining that support. Theodoros Rousopoulos pointed to ongoing international efforts, including the Register of Damage and initiatives toward a special tribunal, as well as progress in returning abducted Ukrainian children. He warned that ignoring authoritarian violations would jeopardize not only Ukraine’s dignity but also the values shared across the democratic world.
“True peace demands a foundation built on human security, on societies where every individual can live in dignity, free from fear, and in communities that give each person a chance to thrive,” Tulia Ackson, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, said.
She also underscored the IPU’s consistent and unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories, praising the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Tulia Ackson highlighted the IPU’s long-standing commitment to multilateralism and parliamentary diplomacy, noting recent initiatives such as the Geneva Declaration on upholding humanitarian norms and the IPU Task Force’s work on nuclear safety, environmental damage, the treatment of prisoners, and the plight of abducted children.
“When speaking about Crimea and Ukraine, it is crucial to remember that it is not only about geopolitics or territorial borders. It is also about people. It is about hundreds of Crimean political prisoners, thousands of Ukrainian war prisoners, and thousands of children and civilians forcibly taken to Russia,” said Roberts Zīle, the Vice President of the European Parliament.
In his speech, Mr. Zīle emphasized that the issue of Crimea and Ukraine is not only a matter of politics or territorial borders, but also a deeply humanitarian one. He highlighted the human tragedies resulting from the conflict. He also stressed the importance of ensuring stable financing and support for Ukraine, urging decisive action to uphold human rights and maintain the international rule of law, which is fundamental to global peace.
“The occupation of Crimea in 2014 was not only an attack on Ukraine, it was a warning that borders might again be changed by force. We cannot and will not accept this,” stated Heléne Björklund, the President of the Nordic Council.
Björklund emphasized that Russia’s occupation of Crimea marked a significant breach of international law and a dangerous precedent for the world. She reiterated the Nordic Council’s firm stance against Russian aggression and its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The President further called for enhanced cooperation among nations to combat Russian propaganda and hybrid threats, ensuring the protection of democratic values. She concluded by reaffirming that Ukraine’s struggle is not only for its own future, but for the security and peace of Europe as a whole.
“We stand with Ukraine, its sovereignty, independence, and its territorial integrity. The only conviction in democracy is justice, grounded in the rule of law. Our resolutions speak with one voice: no recognition of Russian occupation, no limits on Ukraine’s right to defend itself, no veto on its alliance with European aspirations,” Pere Joan Pons, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Mr Pons emphasized the importance of solidarity among democratic nations in the face of Russia’s aggression. He stressed that the fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty is a fight for the values that bind Europe together — rule of law, peace, and social justice. He also reiterated the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, underscoring that there would be no recognition of Russia’s occupation and no limits to Ukraine’s right to self-defense. Furthermore, he highlighted the OSCE’s recent efforts in advocating for the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian forces, describing this as a matter of humanity, not diplomacy.