Today, as a team of the Mission, we would like to express our gratitude to the Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva for five years of relentless work as part of the leadership of our institution, including her tenure as Deputy Permanent Representative from 2020 to 2022 and as Permanent Representative from 2022 to 2024.
During these challenging years of 2022–2024, under the leadership of Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva, the Mission continued to actively address key areas shaping state policy concerning the temporarily occupied peninsula. Efforts focused on monitoring the situation in Crimea, developing recommendations for the formation and implementation of policies regarding the occupied territories, and strengthening international cooperation through the activities of the Crimea Platform. We have much to share, so below we outline the key areas of our work:
- The Situation in Temporarily Occupied Crimea
Since the beginning of Crimea’s occupation, Russia has continued its longstanding policy of persecution and oppression against Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, and representatives of other nationalities living on the peninsula. For nearly 11 years, the occupiers have targeted and detained residents of occupied Crimea for their political views, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. As of November 26, 2024, 218 individuals are unlawfully imprisoned in Russian jails, including 132 Crimean Tatars. Most of them are activists, human rights defenders, and journalists who remain steadfast patriots of Ukraine
Russia systematically violates the rights of political prisoners, subjecting them to worsening detention conditions, denying medical care, and restricting contact with their families. At least 60 political prisoners urgently require medical attention, and over 40 have been unlawfully transferred to Russian territory. In 2024 alone, at least 14 individuals, including 9 Crimean Tatars, were deported from Crimea to Russian prisons.
Since February 24, 2022, Russia has imposed administrative penalties for so-called “discrediting the Russian army.” By the end of November 2024, the Mission recorded 1,093 cases of individuals being held administratively accountable in Crimea. Nearly every second individual subjected to these penalties is a woman.
- Monitoring the Illegal Conscription of Ukrainian Citizens into the Russian Army
By the end of December 2024, Russia will have concluded its 20th illegal conscription campaign in occupied Crimea. This practice violates the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and constitutes a war crime.
As a result of these unlawful conscription campaigns, approximately 50,000 residents of Crimea have been forcibly enlisted into the Russian armed forces, including around 5,500 in 2024 alone. Such actions breach the norms and customs of international humanitarian law. It has been reported that the occupiers initiated 553 criminal proceedings under the article on evasion of military service, with 244 of these cases occurring after February 24, 2022. In total, over 497 instances have been documented where Crimean residents were convicted for refusing to serve in the occupying military forces.
- Assistance to Citizens from Occupied Crimea
Addressing appeals from Ukrainian citizens residing in occupied Crimea is one of the Mission’s key priorities. Over the past three years, the Mission has processed 5,275 appeals from Ukrainian citizens. During this time, it has successfully assisted 83 individuals in leaving the occupied territory. Additionally, 187 citizens were supported in restoring or obtaining passports, and 50 citizens received assistance with educational documents.
- The Mission’s Work in the Legal Field
Over the past three years, the Mission has contributed to the development of five draft laws or amendments to Ukrainian legislation, two regulatory acts, and one reform focused on the administrative-territorial structure, decommunization, and decolonization of Crimea. Additionally, at least 67 so-called “judges” have been sanctioned based on the Mission’s proposals.
Reform of the Administrative-Territorial Structure, Decommunization, and Decolonization of Crimea
The Mission initiated legislative amendments to enable decommunization and the establishment of communities in newly created districts even before de-occupation. This initiative was supported by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and members of the relevant parliamentary committee. Consequently, the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Resolution of Specific Issues of the Administrative-Territorial Structure of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea” was adopted on August 23, 2023, during the Crimea Platform Summit. As a result, Crimea now comprises 10 districts, and 69 settlements have been renamed.
Development and Support of the Law on Recognizing Educational Outcomes for Residents of Temporarily Occupied Territories
In 2023, the Mission developed and, together with Ukrainian MPs and the Ministry of Education and Science, facilitated the adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on recognition of educational results of persons residing in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.” This law establishes a framework for assessing educational outcomes for individuals who studied in occupied territories, enabling them to continue their education in Ukrainian institutions or obtain academic degrees.
Efforts to Apply Economic and Other Restrictive Measures
The Mission has initiated sanctions against judges and officials facilitating the functioning of the aggressor state’s penitentiary system. Proposals are submitted both through Ukrainian MPs and the interdepartmental commission under the Cabinet of Ministers. In 2023 alone, 56 so-called “judges” of occupation “courts” were sanctioned based on the Mission’s recommendations.
- The Track of Cognitive Deoccupation: Current Activity Results
In collaboration with experts, a Strategy for the Cognitive De-occupation of Crimea was developed. Its goal is to achieve a value-based transformation of perceptions and lifestyles in Crimea, reintegrate its residents into Ukraine’s socio-political and cultural space, and provide reliable guarantees for future human development. The term “cognitive de-occupation” had not been previously used in the public discourse. However, through the Mission’s efforts, it has entered state documentation and become widely recognized in public communication. As part of the activities of the Council on Cognitive de-occupation of Crimea, eight sessions have been held, along with workshops on national memory, crisis training, interfaith dialogues, and other initiatives. Notably, the Council facilitated a comprehensive sociological study on cognitive de-occupation, conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) at the request of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine. The study aimed to provide a detailed picture of Ukrainian society’s attitudes toward Crimea’s de-occupation and identify the main challenges associated with the reintegration of the peninsula. The full study is available here: https://ppu.gov.ua/en/rezultaty-doslidzhennya-kohnityvna-deokupatsiya-krymu/
- Human Resource Reserve and Educational Initiatives
To restore public administration in Crimea, Ukraine must identify and prepare approximately 50,000 public servants in advance. The government has laid the groundwork for creating personnel reserves of civil servants, educators, and healthcare professionals. During its operations, the Mission, in cooperation with the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service, processed over 2,000 applications for the civil service personnel reserve.
At the initiative of the Mission, master’s programs in Post-Conflict Governance and Governance in Post-War Territories were launched at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. These programs are implemented under a state order from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service.
An online course, ProKrym: State Policy for Crimea’s Reintegration, was developed, attracting over 15,400 participants within six months.
The Reintegration Management Program (RMP), a joint project of the Mission and the MIM Business School, was implemented with the support of the Office of the President of Ukraine. The program aimed to prepare individuals for the personnel reserve who will eventually be ready to restore cities and villages affected by Russia’s invasion after de-occupation. On September 13, a ceremony in Kyiv marked the completion of the program’s first training cycle.
Participation in the National Commission on the Crimean Tatar Language
The National Commission on the Crimean Tatar Language was established in early 2023 as an advisory body under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Its purpose is to facilitate the implementation of the 2022–2032 Crimean Tatar Language Development Strategy. The commission held its first meeting on March 6, 2023, opened by Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva in collaboration with representatives of other state bodies. Tasheva is also a member of the supervisory board of the International Ukrainian School (IUS), a state-run institution providing distance and external education under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine’s programs. The school ensures systematic distance learning and offers state-recognized educational credentials to students residing abroad or in temporarily occupied territories.
Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies
The Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies aims to unite initiatives and programs worldwide to advance Ukrainian studies, including Crimean Tatar studies, ensuring the accurate and professional examination of Ukraine’s history and culture. The coalition also seeks to decentralize and decolonize East European and Slavic studies, which historically focused on Russia. Established with the support of First Lady Olena Zelenska, the coalition is a joint initiative of the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the support of Education, Science, and Sports; the Ukrainian Institute; the Mission/Office of the Crimea Platform; the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine; and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
- Events and Cultural-Educational Initiatives
Between 2022 and 2024, the Mission organized seven unique art exhibitions and projects dedicated to the theme of Crimea.
Among them were the photo exhibitions Stories from Occupied Crimea, held in Lviv, Lutsk, Kropyvnytskyi, and Dnipro, and Islam. Crimea. Ukraine. The artistic exhibition LOMYKAMIN: Women’s Resistance in Crimea and QIRIM İÇÜN / FOR CRIMEA were initiated by Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva and presented at the Mission.
To commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Crimean Tatar genocide, the Mission collaborated with 14 cultural institutions to launch a series of exhibitions titled “Crimea: Another View.”
Cultural events for the Day of Resistance to Crimea’s Occupation included the Art of Solidarity initiative, organized with PEN Ukraine, which featured works dedicated to Crimean political prisoners.
The project Qarşılıq / Resistance highlighted the stories of indigenous Ukrainian military personnel and veterans fighting for freedom and independence.
The artistic project QIRIM İÇÜN / FOR CRIMEA was presented not only at the Mission but also at the Crimean House, the Estonian Parliament, and during the Third Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform in Riga. Additional exhibitions, including Faces of Deportation and High Price to Pay/ Ağır sınavlarğa baqmadan, were featured as part of the cultural program of the summit.
Over the same period, the Mission launched more than ten nationwide offline and online information campaigns to raise awareness about Crimea and its residents.
The campaigns Resistance Continues and #10YearsOfResistance were timed to the Day of Resistance to Crimea’s Occupation. These initiatives included the placement of 123 citylights, 193 billboards, and more than 6,000 posters across Ukraine, featuring stories of Crimean servicemen and political prisoners. Thirty-one publications detailed the experiences of Ukrainian citizens from Crimea resisting the occupation.
For the 80th anniversary of the Crimean Tatar genocide, 162 citylights, 207 billboards, nearly 9,000 posters, and 163 digital advertisements were displayed, featuring survivors and highlighting Russia’s crimes against the Crimean Tatar people.
The initiative Letters to a Free Crimea in April 2024 generated 1,161 letters written to Crimean political prisoners and 26 videos of public figures reading these letters. This initiative was showcased at prominent events such as the Book Arsenal, the Odesa International Film Festival, Atlas UNITED24, and the Fundament cultural festival.
The Mission also prioritized Crimea’s economic recovery. It developed the “We Build Crimea” portal to attract businesses and investors to the peninsula’s reconstruction. This effort formed part of the Strategy for the restoration of Crimea after de-occupation, which focuses on integrating Crimea’s infrastructure with Europe, developing tourism, protecting ecosystems, and safeguarding the rights of Indigenous peoples. In 2024, the “We Build Crimea” initiative and a special exhibition about Crimea were presented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024).
Supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces was a crucial part of the Mission’s activities. Regular meetings were held with servicemen, and the Mission actively shared the stories of defenders from Crimea while organizing fundraisers in collaboration with charitable foundations. In 2022, in partnership with the Come Back Alive foundation, the Mission organized a fundraiser to mark its 30th anniversary, collecting 10 million UAH for the needs of forward aviation controllers of the 10th Saky Naval Aviation Brigade named after Hero of Ukraine Colonel Ihor Bedzai. In 2023, a joint project with the Ukrainian Women’s Fund, Crimean Malanka: Bring Joy to Defender Families, raised 300,000 UAH for the children of servicemen, many of whom are of Crimean origin. In June 2024, the Crimean Scene: Bağçasaray was presented during the 20th international ethno-festival Dreamland. In collaboration with the Wings of Victory Foundation, funds were raised for the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade, where one of the featured heroes of the Mission’s military exhibition serves.
- Youth Engagement
This summer, the Mission actively worked to raise youth awareness about the culture, history, and current situation in occupied Crimea, while encouraging their involvement in various activities. Supporting and amplifying the voices of the younger generation—particularly those from Ukraine’s Indigenous peoples, national minorities, and communities—remains a core priority. Through workshops, public discussions, participation in festivals, and artistic events, each initiative aimed to create a platform for dialogue and unity around the theme of Crimea.
On June 25, the Mission hosted a workshop where young representatives of Ukraine’s Indigenous peoples, national minorities, and communities identified the needs, challenges, and issues facing youth in the country. The participants actively analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of their communities and emphasized the importance of amplifying their voices in youth policy development.
Throughout June, the Mission also encouraged youth to participate in educational excursions. On August 10, with the Mission’s support, a public discussion titled “Crimea: A Retrospective of Ukrainian Unity” took place as part of the youth festival Podil Unbreakable. One of the speakers was the Permanent Representative, who addressed past challenges and current achievements in media coverage of Crimea. Additionally, as a member of the Presidential Youth Affairs Council, Tamila Tasheva participated in the Ukrainian Youth Forum on August 12, where she highlighted the importance of involving representatives of Indigenous peoples, national minorities, and communities in the development of youth policies at a high level.
- Communication and Analytical Activities
Over the past three years, the comments, interviews, and media appearances of the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in Crimea and her deputies have been featured in at least 100 national and international media outlets. Each year, more than 40 media platforms actively cover the situation in Crimea and the activities of the Mission. In 2022, their commentary appeared in no fewer than 59 media outlets, in 2023 in at least 41, and in 2024 in 44.
During this period, the Mission’s team prepared 372 daily monitoring reports on the situation in temporarily occupied Crimea, 130 briefs on general developments and potential international crimes, and analytical summaries across 27 key areas to support criminal investigations, identify suspects, and impose sanctions.
Additionally, 146 operational updates were compiled on the situation in Crimea, alongside 49 materials highlighting the resistance movement in occupied Crimea and 35 profiles of Crimean political prisoners as part of the #10YearsOfResistance series. Each week, in collaboration with the Memorial Memory Platform, the Mission also publishes Instagram and Facebook posts commemorating fallen Ukrainian defenders from Crimea.
In partnership with the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, 38 special thematic materials were developed to debunk myths about Crimea.
Between 2022 and 2024, the Mission and the Crimea Platform significantly enhanced their social media presence, reaching both Ukrainian and international audiences with information about temporarily occupied Crimea. The Mission’s official Facebook pages featured 1,093 posts and 554 stories, the X platform hosted 6,194 posts, Instagram included 449 posts and 1,089 stories, and Telegram published 775 posts. Similarly, the Crimea Platform achieved notable results, with 446 posts and 204 stories on Facebook, 2,958 posts on X, and two Instagram accounts—an English-language account with 200 posts and 327 stories, and a Ukrainian-language account with 122 posts and 171 stories. Its Telegram channel featured 322 posts. This robust digital activity has been an essential tool for raising awareness about Crimea’s temporary occupation, countering disinformation, and fostering international support.
- International Activities
Over the past three years, the Mission has actively engaged in international cooperation, significantly enhancing global attention to the situation in occupied Crimea. In 2022, the Mission held 42 meetings with Ambassadors from Europe, the Americas, Asia, Japan, and Latin America, as well as representatives of key international organizations such as the OSCE, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the International Criminal Court, and experts from leading U.S. think tanks. These interactions strengthened international support for Ukraine and brought the plight of Crimea into sharper focus.
In 2023, the Mission conducted 38 diplomatic meetings, including three briefings for representatives of Asian, African, Middle Eastern, EU, NATO, and G7 countries. A notable cultural diplomacy event was organized in collaboration with the Estonian Embassy in Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Foreign Affairs. Additionally, 13 meetings were held with international media representatives and journalist delegations from Europe, Africa, and Latin America, 11 with parliamentary delegations, and 56 with international organizations, experts, and analytical centers.
A key highlight in 2024 was the reception marking the return of Nariman Dzhelyal, First Deputy Head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, from illegal imprisonment in Russia. This event united representatives from the government, parliament, Mejlis, and the diplomatic corps in Ukraine. Over the year, the Mission organized 55 meetings, including 21 with diplomatic missions, 12 with parliamentary delegations, nine with foreign media representatives, and 13 with international organizations and experts.
The Mission’s international activities have demonstrated their effectiveness in consolidating efforts to support Ukraine and spotlighting human rights violations in occupied Crimea. Collaboration with diplomats, international organizations, and media has ensured continuous global attention to the issue and advanced initiatives aimed at the de-occupation of the peninsula.
Crimea Platform Summits
Over the past three years, the Mission has played a crucial role in international cooperation through the Crimea Platform, fostering partnerships and amplifying Ukraine’s voice on the global stage.
Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine continued the Crimea Platform summits, initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2021. The second governmental summit on August 23, 2022, held online, brought together representatives from 59 countries and international organizations. Discussions centered on Crimea’s role in Russia’s aggression, security in the Black and Azov Sea regions, human rights violations, and enhancing sanctions against Russia.
The first Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform was held in Zagreb, Croatia, on October 24–25, 2022, with 55 parliamentary delegations present. The summit concluded with a joint declaration condemning Russian aggression, reaffirming non-recognition of Crimea’s occupation, and committing international support for Ukraine.
In 2023, the third governmental summit in Kyiv on August 23 united representatives from 63 countries and organizations, while the second Parliamentary Summit in Prague on October 24 hosted delegations from 51 countries and six international organizations. Discussions addressed Crimea’s de-occupation, human rights violations, and increasing pressure on Russia. Both summits adopted declarations underscoring global unity in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The fourth governmental summit, held on September 11, 2024, in Kyiv, gathered over 60 representatives from countries and organizations, reinforcing efforts for Crimea’s de-occupation and human rights advocacy. On October 24, 2024, the third Parliamentary Summit convened in Riga, Latvia, with delegations from over 40 countries discussing the occupation, human rights violations, and strategies to strengthen international pressure on Russia.
The Crimea Platform remains a cornerstone of international efforts to de-occupy Crimea and support Ukraine amidst Russian aggression, addressing broader challenges like regional security, indigenous rights, the release of political prisoners, and adherence to human rights.
International Conferences: Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South
In January 2023, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a new direction in diplomatic cooperation with Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which led to the international conference Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South. This initiative fostered dialogue and collaboration on addressing challenges stemming from Russian aggression.
The first conference, held on October 14–16, 2023, brought together 300 participants from 36 countries, focusing on energy and food security, human rights, decolonization, international security, and justice.
The second conference, held on November 21–22, 2024, gathered over 100 participants, including 19 representatives from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to discuss shared challenges and strengthen international cooperation. Special attention was given to Crimea, symbolizing resistance against Russian colonial policies and holding significance for many countries in the Global South in addressing UN Charter violations and food and energy security.
Crimea Global has established itself as a vital tool for international diplomacy, spotlighting Crimea’s occupation and addressing global issues like human rights, decolonization, and security.
The Mission expresses deep gratitude to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Office of the President, the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, NGOs, experts, and the Crimea Platform team for their collaboration. Special thanks go to international and diplomatic partners for their unwavering support. This work, under the three-year leadership of Tamila Tasheva, has laid a strong foundation for future progress.
The Mission remains steadfast in its belief in Crimea’s de-occupation!
Crimea is Ukraine!