The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk delivered a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony of the forum “26-2-14: The War began in Crimea”. Mr. Stefanchuk noted that on February 26 we pay tribute to those who resisted and who continue to fight against the occupation of Crimea.

“The war began 10 years ago, it started in Ukrainian Crimea, where Russian occupation troops illegally set foot on the Ukrainian ground for the first time. On this day, February 26, our citizens gathered on the main square of Simferopol to say “no” to the occupation and support the territorial integrity of Ukraine. This is how the resistance began,” the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada said.

“At the time, we did not yet understand what Russia was willing to do for the sake of the imperial delusions of its regime. But very soon it became clear that the Russians were ready for anything. International law and human rights ceased to exist on the peninsula. During the years of occupation, Crimea, unfortunately, became a territory of lawlessness: illegal detentions, torture, murders, disappearances, unjustified convictions on fabricated charges, total restriction of civil and political rights, freedom of speech, assembly and a number of other opportunities for every normal person,’’ – Ruslan Stefanchuk said. 

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada noted that the occupiers have ousted all independent media, independent journalists and human rights defenders from the peninsula. As a result of this consistent policy of the occupation administration, there has been a massive departure of Ukrainian citizens from Crimea. The Crimean Tatars, who overwhelmingly oppose the Russian occupation, are particularly vulnerable in Crimea. The ban on the Mejlis, the murder, kidnapping and imprisonment of its leaders and activists, and the systemic pressure on Crimean Tatars are the reality that has existed on this land for 10 years. Despite this, the resistance has not stopped for a single day.”