Today, British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris CMG OBE has concluded his tenure in Ukraine.

We express our deep gratitude to Ambassador Martin Harris for his unwavering support of Ukraine, particularly on issues concerning Crimea and the Crimean Tatar people. Throughout his tenure in Ukraine, Ambassador Harris became a true friend of our country, actively supporting the Crimea Platform and the activities of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

His support was not only diplomatic but also personal. Ambassador Martin Harris repeatedly emphasized the importance of restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, which was of special significance for us during the 11th year of Crimea’s occupation and the full-scale invasion. This consistent and clear position of the United Kingdom became an important support for our country at this critical time.

Of particular importance was the Ambassador’s participation in events dedicated to Crimea. The opening of the exhibition “QIRIM İÇÜN / For Crimea” and participation in events for the Crimean Tatar Flag Day were vivid examples of how the international community can support Crimea and its people. Martin Harris actively supported these initiatives, emphasizing their importance in drawing attention to the peninsula and its future.

Together we’ve implemented an information campaign called “Under the Sky of a Liberated Crimea”. The campaign tells the story of Crimea as it was a home, rich in cultural diversity before 2014, as well as the challenges of living under Russian control, human rights violations and the persecution of Ukrainian citizens on the peninsula. The main goal of the campaign is to highlight the hope for Crimea’s future after it gets liberated by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

An equally important step was the opening of the Crimean Room at the British Ambassador’s residence in Ukraine. The Room became an important symbol of support for the fight for Crimea’s de-occupation and a tribute to the Crimean Tatar people. It serves as a reminder to the world that Crimea is Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, along with the international community, steadfastly supports this principle.

Moreover, in January 2025, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a historic One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement, laying the foundation for long-term cooperation across security, defense, economic, scientific and cultural domains. This Agreement became the first of its kind for Ukraine and is a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, especially considering the growing support from the United Kingdom during Russia’s full-scale invasion.

We are grateful to Ambassador Martin Harris for his dedication, support and friendship. His efforts toward Crimea’s liberation will find their place in the history of Ukraine’s great struggle for independence.