On 5 June 2025, Olha Kuryshko joined the Ukrainian delegation to participate in the tenth session of the Ukraine–EU Human Rights Dialogue. The Permanent Representative spoke during the first segment of discussions, during which participants focused on the human rights situation in the context of the war initiated by Russia.
The Permanent Representative centered her remarks on the systematic violations of human rights in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea, especially following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Olha Kuryshko provided detailed information about political repression, the detention of political prisoners, the persecution of Crimean Tatars, and restrictions on freedoms, as well as the Ukrainian state’s strategies for the future de-occupation and reintegration of the peninsula. Particular emphasis was placed on transitional justice, humanitarian aspects, economic recovery of Crimea, and the preservation of the national and cultural identity of its residents.
Olha Kuryshko also outlined the scale of repression, particularly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, noting a significant deterioration in the situation. The Permanent Representative mentioned specific tragic cases of political prisoners’ deaths and indicated that dozens of individuals remain in critical condition. She emphasized that Russia not only arbitrarily detains people but also uses torture and conceals information, isolating Crimea from the outside world.
“It is likely that the actual number of political prisoners, the majority of whom are Crimean Tatars, is far higher, as many cases are partially or wholly concealed due to Russia’s control over information. There is a high likelihood that not all political prisoners can return from Russian captivity. In early February 2023, Kostiantyn Shyrinh and Dzhemil Hafarov, unlawfully detained, died due to lack of proper medical care. In February 2025, relatives of political prisoner Rustem Virati were notified of his death. Reports indicate that Rustem was tortured and received injections of unknown origin.”
The Permanent Representative also emphasized that Russia is violating international humanitarian law by using Crimea not only as a military base but also as a platform for deportations and forced mobilization of Ukrainian citizens. Under the guise of “legality,” repressive measures are being implemented, and occupation courts are fabricating cases to neutralize resistance:
“Russia uses Crimea as a center for the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. It is also conducting an illegal conscription of Ukrainian citizens into the Russian army for the war against Ukraine. Overall, the situation in occupied Crimea is characterized by widespread political repression against local residents who oppose the occupation regime. Russian criminal and administrative ‘laws’ are aimed at suppressing resistance to the occupation and support for Ukraine, with the aim of intimidating the population and increasing control over it. Occupation ‘courts’ frequently fabricate cases on charges of ‘treason to the state,’ ‘extremism,’ or ‘discrediting of the Russian army’ in order to isolate active citizens and maintain control over the region.”
In concluding her remarks, the Permanent Representative presented a vision for the future of Crimea. Olha Kuryshko stated that Ukraine is preparing specific strategies, including economic recovery, cultural reintegration, and the formation of a team of specialists who will be able to work in de-occupied Crimea. She emphasized a comprehensive vision that includes not only physical reconstruction but also the restoration of Ukrainian identity, support for Crimean Tatar institutions, and the reestablishment of historical justice.сті.
“We already have a vision for all these aspects. We have developed initial steps to restore public authority that include elements of transitional justice. We are already training specialists—competent and knowledgeable individuals who will be able to work effectively in Crimea after its de-occupation,” shared the Permanent Representative.
The EU side at the event was represented by Petra Gombalova-Kyslingerova, Head of the Ukraine Division of the European External Action Service. The Ukrainian delegation also included representatives from ministries, official commissioners from the Government and the Verkhovna Rada, and relevant experts.