Return to normal life for Ukrainians is impossible without de-occupation of Crimea, - Zelenskyy
A full return to normal life for the citizens of Ukraine after the war is impossible without the liberation of the Ukrainian Crimea, the restoration of security, the protection of people and a return to the fundamental principles of international law.
This was stated by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during the sixth summit of the International Crimea Platform, according to Censor.NET.
Crimea as the starting point for breaches of international law
Zelenskyy described the occupation of Crimea in 2014 as the start of a wider pattern of violations of international rules by Russia. He emphasised that the issue of the peninsula remains linked to people’s safety, the release of prisoners of war and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
"The disrespect began with Crimea in 2014, when Russia invaded Crimea. Therefore, a full return to normal life is impossible without Crimea — without the restoration of security, the protection of people and their lives, the release of prisoners held by Russia, and a return to the fundamental principles of international law. Territorial integrity matters", the President emphasised.
Speaking on the need to respect international law, the President noted that breaches of it have consequences not only for states but also for individuals.
"We want international law to have real power. Whether human life has any real value at all depends on this," said Zelenskyy.
On Russia’s responsibility
The President stated that Ukraine expects Russia to be held accountable for the actions that led to the war and the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
"We want Russia, which started this war and is seizing other countries’ territories, to be held to account," said the President.
On shipping in the Black Sea
The President also mentioned the agreements and possible mechanisms for ensuring the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. According to him, the Ukrainian side is ready for such decisions and is awaiting Russia’s position.
"Ukraine is ready to play its part in ensuring peaceful and safe navigation and food security in the Black Sea — provided that Russia is also prepared to take concrete steps towards de-escalation", he added. It should be noted that the sixth Crimean Platform summit is taking place during the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly on 23 September. Representatives from a number of countries and international organisations, including the US, are taking part in the event.
