When we say that the aggressor must not be rewarded for the war for peace to be truly lasting, everyone must understand: these are not just words. Unfortunately, the world already had the opportunity to learn this 12 years ago. Russia’s war against Ukraine began with the occupation of Crimea, and the world effectively turned a blind eye to it. The leaders of that time were not interested in the rallies and resistance in Crimea, nor in Ukraine’s overall sentiments. The world advised Ukraine to remain silent. That is precisely why Putin believed he could afford a much larger war and a tougher confrontation with the West.

Now, every year on February 26—the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea—we remember this global lesson and honor those who did not remain silent and did not yield to Russian aggression. And we insist that holding the aggressor accountable for the war is one of the guarantees of security, one of the most powerful prerequisites for a lasting peace.

I thank everyone in the world who supports us in this, who participates in the work of our Crimea Platform, and who participates in other international formats that remind the world about Crimea and the significance of its occupation by Russia. I thank everyone who helps Ukraine resist Russian repression in Crimea, helps us bring people back from captivity, and prevents the occupation regime from consolidating its power. The Russian presence on our peninsula serves only the war and nothing else. There must be peace, and therefore, Crimea is Ukraine, and the world must recognize this fact unwaveringly.

Qırım evine qaytmalıdır!
Glory to Ukraine!