“This summit sends a powerful message of hope to Ukrainians in Crimea, to the Crimean Tatars, and to everyone who does not abandon hope that justice will be restored. This summit reaffirms the truth — Crimea is Ukraine,” Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Andrii Sybiha, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, emphasized that Ukraine is not alone and highlighted the record participation of leaders and senior officials from 54 countries and 7 international organizations, proving both the relevance of the Crimea Platform and a strong commitment to the most fundamental and critical UN principle — the territorial integrity of states. 

The Minister also mentioned the New York Declaration, adopted on the margins of the UN General Assembly, on the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter. The Declaration brings together the key messages of the resolutions approved by the General Assembly since 2014 in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine and the attempt of annexation of the Crimean peninsula, reaffirming adherence to the UN Charter, upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. 

Andrii Sybiha stressed that for Ukraine, as a founding member of the United Nations, the Charter is not simply a document; it is a cornerstone of international law. Restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine, he continued, is essential for restoring the authority of the Charter.

“International law shall prevail. Peace must be restored and secured. And this is only possible through strength,” concluded Andrii Sybiha.