Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko took part in the Third Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimea Platform, which was held this year in Moldova. Specifically, she joined the discussion panel “Reviewing the recent developments in the Black Sea security environment. Evaluating the functioning of the Black Sea corridor to Ukrainian Ports as a vital economic lifeline.”

Olha Kuryshko outlined the key violations committed by the occupiers on the peninsula: systematic political persecution, the use of torture, restrictions on freedom of religion, and the deteriorating environmental situation. She also drew attention to the increased militarization of children and youth. According to her, the occupying administration is systematically integrating military training into the educational process.

“Children in Crimea are exposed to propaganda from elementary school. They are taught the full cycle of drone operation, which indicates the deliberate involvement of youth in the war,” the Permanent Representative noted.

Separately, the Permanent Representative stated that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, the number of political persecutions in Crimea has increased, with the majority of cases involving representatives of the Crimean Tatar people.

Valeriu Mija, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, also joined the discussion, noting that Russia’s war against Ukraine has broader consequences for the entire region, as Ukraine has now become a testing ground for various forms of hybrid aggression.

“Ukraine has become a testing ground for hybrid attacks, economic and cyber threats. How peace is achieved in Ukraine will become a security model for all of Europe,” he said.

Oleksandr Mishchenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, stressed the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, emphasizing that economic restrictions remain one of the key tools for influencing the aggressor. He also highlighted that the war has demonstrated the importance ounity within the f international community.

“Only tougher sanctions can lead to peace. To achieve this, we must focus on key sectors — oil, the military-industrial complex, and the shadow fleet.”

Clara-Georgiana Staicu, State Secretary for European Affairs, the Middle East, and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, emphasized the importance of strengthening the internal resilience of European countries and developing interconnectivity as a key element of security. According to her, this involves supporting not only individual states but the entire Black Sea region, including Ukraine, through the implementation of joint infrastructure and energy projects.

Levent Gümrükçü, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, stressed the need to increase support for Ukraine to strengthen its position in negotiations. He underscored that the security of the Black Sea region depends on Ukraine’s security, and that Türkiye remains steadfast in its non-recognition of Crimea’s occupation and its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

“We must all support Ukraine so that it has a better negotiating position at the table. Türkiye will do everything possible to achieve this. We also need to provide Ukraine with strong security guarantees so that Ukrainians can be certain that the events of 2022 will not happen again,” said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.

Iulian Chifu, President of the Center for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning, noted that the security situation in the Black Sea region has undergone significant changes due to Russian aggression and requires new approaches and enhanced international cooperation.