Crimea must be returned under Ukraine's control, Turkey's president says
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Ankara's firm support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, stressing that the return of Crimea to Ukrainian control is a requirement of international law. The statement was made in a video message addressed at the Crimea Platform Summit, which is being held in Kyiv.
"Turkey's support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine remains unchanged. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law," Erdogan said.
The Ankara leader pointed that Turkey does not recognize the annexation of Crimea and stated that this step is considered illegitimate and illegal. The Turkish president also emphasized the importance of protecting the Crimean Tatar community, adding that Turkey will continue to support the rights and safety of Crimean Tatars, citizens of Ukraine, who have suffered throughout history, Anadolu reports.
This is not the first time Erdogan has expressed his support for Ukraine and his disapproval of Russia's actions.
We remind you that in February 2014, in the context of the Euromaidan protests and the political crisis in Ukraine, Russia occupied Crimea, by organizing an internationally unrecognized referendum, which led to the annexation of the peninsula by the Russian Federation. This act was considered illegal by Ukraine, the European Union, the USA, the UN and other international organizations, which imposed sanctions against Russia.
The Crimea Platform is an international coordination mechanism launched by Ukraine in 2021 to bring the Crimea issue to global attention and attract support for the de-occupation of the peninsula. The Crimea Platform summit brings together international leaders to discuss ways to increase pressure on Russia and to support Ukraine in restoring its territorial integrity. This year, the Republic of Moldova is represented at the Summit by the Parliament Speaker, Igor Grosu.
