Today, Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov participated in the event initiated by the National Council of Ukrainians of Crimea to mark the Day of Protection of the Rights of Ukrainians of Crimea. This day symbolizes the contribution and role of Ukrainians who defended their legitimate interests and rights on the Crimean Peninsula. Events dedicated to this day have been held annually since 2017.

Denys Chystikov delivered a speech at the State Historical and Memorial Lukianiv Reserve in Kyiv, where, on the initiative of the National Council of Ukrainians of Crimea, a monument was installed to Pavlo Horiansky, Chairman of the Crimean Regional Ukrainian Council in 1919-1920, Consul of the Ukrainian National Republic in Yalta, writer, teacher, librarian, scholar, whose name had been suppressed by the Soviet totalitarian regime for a long time. 

The Deputy Permanent Representative noted that Russia is doing everything to destroy the Ukrainian identity in Crimea, increasing pressure on Ukrainian citizens and persecuting them for their pro-Ukrainian position. 

“We are witnessing an increase in repressions in occupied Crimea, which has become especially noticeable after the large-scale invasion. More than 900 cases have been recorded of materials being submitted to the occupation “courts” under the so-called article “discrediting the Russian army,” which was invented by Russia after the large-scale offensive on our country. The occupiers are prosecuting people who identify themselves as Ukrainians, listen to Ukrainian songs, or demonstrate Ukrainian symbols on the territory of the peninsula,” Denys Chystikov emphasized. 

The Deputy Permanent Representative also noted that the Mission is developing solutions and individual components of state policy, which include the issue of preserving and restoring identity, which is considered in particular in the Strategy for the Cognitive De-occupation of Crimea. This document was developed by the Mission’s team in cooperation with experts from various fields, including representatives of the National Council of Ukrainians of Crimea. 

Andrii Ivanets, the representative of the National Council of Ukrainians of Crimea, delivered a speech focusing on the crimes of the occupiers in Crimea, in particular the seizure of the Cathedral of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr and Princess Olga in Simferopol, the destruction of the Holy Cross Exaltation Church of Ukraine in Yevpatoria, the destruction of Ukrainian identity on the occupied peninsula, and, as a result, the pressure on the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Crimea, which is part of the relevant illegal practices of the occupying state. 

The event also included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Columbarium on the Alley of Heroes. Three Crimeans were honored: Vladyslav Bilyi, who died during the massacre of Ukrainian prisoners of war from Azovstal in Olenivka perpetrated by Russians; Petro Korol, who died in battle defending Mariupol; and Kyrylo Okhremchuk (“Karim”). Serhii Kornieiev, born in Simferopol, who died near Bakhmut in 2016 and is buried at the Lukianivka Military Cemetery, was also mentioned. Many other Crimeans who have died since 2014 and are buried in various cemeteries in Kyiv were also commemorated.