Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov participated in the 12th round of informal Ukraine–EU consultations on the legal consequences of the temporary occupation of certain territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The consultations brought together representatives of various Ukrainian state institutions — including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Social Policy, the Ministry of Energy, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, the Prosecutor’s Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, and the Ukrainian Navy. On the side of the European Union, representatives of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union took part.

During the consultations, Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov presented the key challenges faced by residents of the temporarily occupied peninsula. He emphasized the ongoing systemic repression and persecution targeting those who oppose the occupation and support Ukraine.

Particular attention was devoted to the use of torture and denial of medical care to political prisoners, as well as to the militarization of life in Crimea, including within the education sector. Military propaganda and the involvement of children in military training structures contribute to shaping a pro-Russian identity among youth, in clear violation of international standards on the protection of children’s rights.

Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov also drew attention to the systemic militarization of education and childhood in the occupied territories. Through so-called “lessons in bravery,” the activities of the Yunarmiia, the Movement of the First, and cadet classes, children are being subjected to military propaganda, shaped into a pro-Russian identity, and prepared for service in the armed forces of the occupying state — a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and children’s rights.

In closing, Denys Chystikov expressed gratitude to the European Union for its continued support and called for the sustained non-recognition policy regarding the occupation of Crimea. He also urged for increased pressure on the Russian Federation to end political repression, secure the release of political prisoners, and ensure respect for human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

The EU delegation participants reaffirmed their commitment to the policy of non-recognition of the Russian administration in Crimea, emphasized the need to protect human rights in the occupied peninsula, and assured continued support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, including through sanctions pressure, political solidarity, and humanitarian initiatives.