On 15 September, the Mission participated in the panel discussion “Indigenous Peoples: How to Preserve Culture and Traditions” as part of the opening of the exhibition “Travel Book. Roots of Crimea”, dedicated to the unique culture and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Ukraine.

The discussion featured Yurii (Amir) Radchenko, PhD in History, co-founder and director of the Centre for Research of Interethnic Relations in Eastern Europe; Viacheslav Lombrozo, Vice President of the international non-governmental organisation “Research and Support of Indigenous Peoples of Crimea Foundation”; Nadzhyie Ametova, Crimean Tatar public figure and Qirim.Media journalist; and Yevheniia Virlych, Editor-in-Chief of the Kherson publication “Kavun.City”.

The discussion was moderated by Yevhen Bondarenko, Head of the Information Support Department of the Mission.

At the beginning of the conversation, Yevhen Bondarenko emphasised that the Russian Federation seeks “control” over Crimea due to its strategic location — the peninsula is being turned into a military base for the occupiers and a platform for the realisation of their imperial ambitions. He added that a significant contribution to the development of the culture of Indigenous peoples could be supporting artists by paying attention to their crafts and consuming their products.

“Purchasing from Crimean Tatar artists and attending their events is not only about financial support. It is also an emotional signal that we stand together as a community and are ready to support each other”, Yevhen Bondarenko added.

The Head of the Department also stressed that the Mission makes every effort to highlight human rights violations in temporarily occupied Crimea, including the persecution of Crimean Tatars, illegal searches, and arrests. Currently, there are 222 known political prisoners, 133 of whom are representatives of the Indigenous people. Therefore, disseminating this information within society is critically important, as it increases the chances of their return.

Viacheslav Lombrozo, Vice President of the international non-governmental organisation “Research and Support of Indigenous Peoples of Crimea Foundation”, added that Indigenous peoples should be remembered not only during the war — this issue has always been and will remain relevant. He noted that being the Ukrainian nation carries great responsibility. Viacheslav Lombrozo emphasised that the adoption of the law “On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine” marked the state’s recognition of these communities and was a major step towards supporting them.

“Recognising Indigenous peoples as independent and equal in public discourse causes tangible damage to Russia”, Viacheslav Lombrozo stated.

Crimean Tatar public figure and Qirim.Media journalist Nadzhyie Ametova stressed that the diversity of peoples is important not only biologically but also in a cultural dimension. She emphasised that we must fight for our identity and the right to speak about our land. It is important for the Ukrainian people to explore the language, culture, and art of Indigenous peoples, as this will significantly increase their recognition both in Ukraine and globally.

“Ukraine has made significant progress in its understanding of Crimea: people are now interested in the cultural heritage, traditions, and history of Indigenous peoples much more than just the sea”, Nadzhyie Ametova noted.

Yevheniia Virlych, Editor-in-Chief of the Kherson publication “Kavun.City”, pointed out that the Russians are doing everything possible to destroy all roots in the temporarily occupied territories, in every sense of the word. Currently, Crimea is a territory that the Russians are disgracefully turning into a military base. Yevheniia Virlych added that today it is important to take an interest in the history of absolutely all regions — it is history that can reveal all the grief the Russians have caused us over the centuries. The editor noted that it is crucial for people to hear the personal stories of representatives of the Crimean Tatars, Krymchaks, and Karaites; these can be broadcast on social media, media portals, and other communication channels.

“We must produce our own content about Indigenous peoples, and we have a great advantage in this: the truth is on our side”, Yevheniia Virlych emphasised.

PhD in History Yurii (Amir) Radchenko highlighted the importance of integrating Ukrainians into the context of the traditions and history of Indigenous peoples. He added that creating high-quality artistic and educational historical materials about the Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks will aid Ukraine in the information war currently waged by Russia.

“The actions of ordinary people are just as important as state support, so society must take the initiative and show interest in the topic of Indigenous peoples”, Yurii (Amir) Radchenko concluded.

The “Travel Book. Roots of Crimea” project is implemented by the creative agency Green Penguin Media with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation and is a continuation of the animated series “Travel Book. Ukraine”.