“Until we liberate Crimea, we cannot talk about long-term peace and security for future generations.” – Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine
In his speech at the Third Crimea Platform Summit, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine presented a comprehensive plan for the economic and post-war recovery of Crimea. He emphasized the critical need to liberate Crimea and all Ukrainian territories currently under Russian occupation to ensure a peaceful and secure future for generations to come.
Prime Minister Shmyhal highlighted five key points that form the basis of Ukraine’s strategy for the recovery of Crimea:
1. Establishing Crimea as a new tourist center: the Prime Minister expressed the desire to transform Crimea from a military base into a year-round resort destination, attracting tourists from Europe and around the world. This vision includes creating new quality hotel infrastructure and enhancing public spaces to develop vibrant Crimean communities. This concept is the basis of the new brand of the peninsula – Crimea-365.
2. Developing infrastructure connections: Ukraine aims to integrate Crimea into the European transport space by constructing four autobahns and establishing connections with the European TNT road network. The plan also includes the development of international airports, the creation of an international hub, and the revitalization of sea transportation in the Azov and Black Seas.
3. Achieving energy independence: Mr. Denys Shmyhal emphasized the integration of Ukrainian energy into European systems, which opens up investment opportunities in energy projects. The plan includes investments in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, with the goal of adding over 1 gigawatt of additional capacity to Ukraine’s energy system. Furthermore, the lifting of the military threat in Crimea would provide access to 2.3 trillion cubic meters of natural gas in the Black Sea shelf, enabling Crimea to become energy independent.
4. Restoring the agricultural sector: the Prime Minister emphasized the restoration of water supply systems, particularly for agriculture, following Russia’s terrorist attack on the Kakhovsky gas. The plan includes the restoration of cultivation and irrigation systems, with a focus on developing small farms and promoting the grape industry, envisioning Crimea as the Ukrainian Bordeaux.
5. Creating an IT Hub: Prime Minister Shmyhal proposed the establishment of a European and world-class IT hub in Crimea, inviting investments in science, training, and innovations. The goal is to attract and develop programmers and IT specialists from Europe and around the world, positioning Crimea as the Ukrainian Silicon Valley.
He acknowledged that these ambitious plans would require time and resources, estimating the losses from the occupation of Crimea to be over 120 billion hryvnias. He emphasized the need for Russia to bear the responsibility and cost of Ukraine’s restoration efforts, including the confiscation of Russian assets frozen in the West.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister reiterated the significance of liberating Crimea not only for Ukraine but also for upholding international law, sustainable peace, and the rules-based international order. He expressed gratitude to the partners and supporters of Ukraine and their presence at the Crimean Platform Summit, reaffirming the belief that the Ukrainian flag will once again fly over Crimea, ensuring its place within a united, strong, and European Ukraine.