The First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People emphasized that the Russian occupation administration continues to repopulate Crimea with its citizens, using the Russian education system and media to distort the mindset and replace the identity of Ukrainian citizens on the occupied peninsula. The speaker emphasized that the authentic Ukrainian historical and cultural heritage is being consistently destroyed for this purpose. 

“Our stance must be clear: Russia’s war against Ukraine began in Crimea, and it must end with its liberation. Any proposals to leave Crimea to the occupiers will not lead to the desired just peace,” stated Nariman Dzhelyal.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People emphasized that the liberation of Crimea and the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty will create conditions for protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and all citizens of Ukraine.