The nature of today's occupying authority is even worse than that of the Soviet era, and we must do everything possible to expedite the de-occupation of Crimea, stated Alexander Mishchenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
"I have served as an ambassador in four countries. Two of them are prime examples of how the struggle ended in victory. These are Latvia and Azerbaijan. For 50 years, no one recognized the occupation of the Baltic states. The occupation of Azerbaijani lands lasted for 30 years. Today, they are free, independent, and have secured their territorial integrity. However, I want to tell our international partners that the people of Crimea do not have as much time and opportunity. Because the nature of today's occupying authority is even worse than the Soviet one," he said at the forum "11 Years of War. Starting Point: Crimea" on Wednesday.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that Russia is systematically destroying all Crimean Tatar identity on the peninsula to erase its history and identity.
"Every year we fight, but we must remember - this year they are killing the youth, they are killing those who remember, they are killing those who can resist. Therefore, we must do everything necessary to accelerate our victory," Mishchenko stressed.
He highlighted that the Ukrainian state will never renounce Crimea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Crimea represents "the struggle for principles," as it was with the occupation of the peninsula that Russia initiated the largest aggressive war in Europe since World War II. And it is in Crimea that everything must come to an end, Mishchenko added.
"We will continue to correct every textbook, every inaccurate map, every incorrect word. We will do everything possible to bring the de-occupation of the peninsula closer. There is no doubt that this systematic policy will eventually result in Crimea returning to Ukraine. Crimea is the starting point and the struggle. For our identity, sovereignty, for freedom and independence, values, and culture," he emphasized.