As part of the 11 Years of War. Starting Point: Crimea Forum, Member of the European Parliament and Standing Rapporteur on Ukraine, Michael Gahler, delivered a speech.

“For eleven years, Ukrainian citizens have heroically resisted Russian aggression, defending their freedom. Crimea shares this goal with the rest of Ukraine, demonstrating to the international community the unity of the Ukrainian nation,” stated Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament and Standing Rapporteur on Ukraine.

Michael Gahler emphasized that the issue of Crimea remains a key priority on the international agenda, with the global community continuing to consolidate support for the Ukrainian people and reaffirming its non-recognition of the illegal occupation of the peninsula.

“For eleven years, Russia has committed human rights violations, enforced repression, and targeted the pro-Ukrainian population of Crimea. The aggressor state imprisons thousands of Crimeans who wish to live in a free Ukraine and employs every possible measure to alter the demographic composition of the peninsula. In doing so, Russia seeks to erase Ukrainian identity—just as it did in 1944,” stated Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament and Standing Rapporteur on Ukraine.

He added that the European Parliament and the international community call for the release of all political prisoners, pro-Ukrainian activists, and human rights defenders who have been unlawfully imprisoned in Crimea. The international community reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine. Every step toward freedom—whether small or large—brings victory closer.