Russia may "turn a blind eye” to Crimea's de-occupation – Zelensky
Photo: video screenshot
The Russian Federation can turn a blind eye to the loss of Crimea, just as it did during the retreat from other occupied Ukrainian territories.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this at the opening of the Crimean Platform summit.
"Ukraine has shown that the liberation of our land during military operations is not an accident. It is deserved; it is our people's heroism and our partners' defensive support.
… Ukrainian forces are moving forward despite everything. No matter what anyone says – go ahead. And when Russia retreats from captured territories, it simply closes its eyes to its weakness. In the same way, Russian society can turn a blind eye to the retreat of the occupiers from Crimea," the Head of State emphasized.
The President emphasized that the main task of the Crimean Platform is to prepare for de-occupation.
Zelensky also noted that "Ukraine understands how it will return [Crimea – ed.] and how many steps need to be taken for this."
The Ukrainian leader also commented on statements about "trading territories" with Russia.
"When someone in the world talks about our territory occupied by Russia, every time, it is a reference not to the land but to children, parents, and family.
…Ukraine does not trade territories because Ukraine does not trade people. That's the point. And all of you here affirm that human life is priceless," the President noted.
For reference:
It should be noted that on August 23, the third summit of the "Crimean Platform" will be held in Kyiv. It takes place in a hybrid format.
The day before, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar reported that the summit will have two tasks:
- talk about security in the Black Sea-Azov region,
- about the future of Crimea, how Ukraine sees it, and the fact that no peace talks are possible without Crimea.
The hybrid format of the third summit provides an opportunity for leaders from distant countries to join.
Ukraine sent more than 100 invitations to the countries' leaders to participate in the summit on behalf of the President of Ukraine.
It should be noted that the Initiative was created by Ukraine back in 2021 when the founding summit was held. Then, a joint declaration of the participants of the Crimean platform was adopted. Representatives of 43 countries took part in the meeting.
