The Permanent Representative, Tamila Tasheva, delivered the opening speech at the Second International Conference Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South, initiated by the Office of the Crimea Platform. The event was co-organized by the Media Initiative for Human Rights, the ZMINA Human Rights Center, Ukrainian PEN, with the support of the Centre for Information Resilience.

In her address, the Permanent Representative emphasized the strategic importance of Crimea, not only as an integral part of Ukraine but also as a unique region that opens opportunities for dialogue with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. She highlighted that the conference, launched last year, has already become a crucial platform for discussing global challenges beyond Crimean issues, including topics of historical memory, colonial legacy, indigenous rights, and global security.

The Permanent Representative drew attention to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who continue to fight for freedom and sovereignty under extremely challenging conditions. She reminded the audience that Russia continues to terrorize Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, yet the country demonstrates steadfastness, implementing critical initiatives such as the temporary maritime corridor for grain exports, which has become key to global food security.

Tamila Tasheva paid special attention to the topic of Crimea’s de-occupation, stating that regaining control over the peninsula is not only a matter of sovereignty but also a restoration of historical justice.

“Crimea is Ukraine. It is a place of strength, culture, and centuries-long history that has always been closely connected with mainland Ukraine,” she emphasized.

During her speech, the Permanent Representative expressed gratitude to international partners for supporting Ukraine, particularly for recognizing the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people as an act of genocide. She called for further collective efforts to achieve a just peace.

“We are approaching the day when Crimea will be free. This conference is another step toward that future because every discussion, every meeting here aims to ensure that the world does not forget about Crimea and its importance for global security,” the Permanent Representative concluded.