Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva participated in the panel discussion Diplomacy: Issues of Overcoming Historical Myths, held as part of the Third All-Ukrainian Forum UNIhistory2024: Challenges and Prospects for Shaping Ukraine’s Image at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
The discussion also included Dmytro Kostiuk, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament and Head of the Subcommittee on Social Policy of the Agro-Industrial Complex, Rural Development, Science and Education of the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy; Oleh Shamshur, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States (2005-2010) and France (2014-2020); Oleksandra Husak, Director General of the Directorate for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine; and Polish journalist Michal Potocki.
Tamila Tasheva reminded attendees that Russia’s occupation of Crimea is not about protecting the civilian population, as the occupying country has attempted to portray it over the past ten years of aggression. Instead, it is about repression and the forced assimilation of the local Ukrainian population and Indigenous People, aimed at eradicating the region’s identity and imposing the imperialist narrative of “eternally Russian Crimea.”
“For many years, Ukraine has struggled against being viewed not through a Ukrainian lens, but through the prism of the Russian empire—ignoring and silencing Ukrainian independence and identity. That is why we must continue to act actively, to fight diplomatically, to debunk these false narratives, defend the truth, and strengthen Ukraine’s image as an independent and sovereign state that respects history, international law, and democratic values,” emphasized the Permanent Representative.
Tamila Tasheva emphasized that Ukraine cannot and should not sacrifice its territory for an illusory “peace” or a temporary halt to hostilities. She noted that victory for Ukraine is not only about ending the fighting but also achieving justice, restoring the rule of law, and reclaiming all Ukrainian lands, including Crimea and Donbas. Only then can there be talk of a lasting and just peace.
In conclusion, Tamila Tasheva highlighted the importance of the Crimea Platform as a key tool for uniting the efforts of the international community. She also stressed that Ukraine is currently consolidating efforts to preserve the memory, history, and rights of Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians, and other peoples who will shape the future of Crimea as a free, peaceful part of Ukraine.
“Crimea is not just a territory. It’s people. It’s an important cultural and religious center where diverse religious and cultural communities coexist peacefully. This diversity serves as a bridge for building mutual understanding with countries that share our aspirations for justice and peace,” concluded Tamila Tasheva.