The 6th Summit of the Crimea Platform

Good morning, everyone. Excellencies, dear members of the International Crimean Platform. For the second year in a row, we gathered at UN headquarters during high-level week for our summit. I believe this is the right place to speak about Crimea. Many years ago, in Crimean Yalta, world leaders discussed the foundations of the United Nations. Today, the liberation of Crimea is a crash test for this organization. Restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity is essential to restoring respect for the UN Charter. Today, the International Crimea Platform is about security, humanity, and dignity. The security aspect is clear. Russia is using occupied Crimea as a base for attacks on Ukraine. The continued militarization of Crimea threatens the whole Black Sea region. Only the restoration of Ukraine's control over Crimea can ensure lasting security in the region. Humanity is about people. As of the 22nd of September, 316 people in occupied Crimea face politically motivated persecution. They include 169 Crimean Tatars and one Karaites. Their situation must remain central to our work. Dignity is what brings us together. The phrase "Crimea is Ukraine" has become more than a political statement. "Crimea is Ukraine" is a universal motto for dignity. I thank everyone here for your support and for showing that dignity matters. I now invite you to watch a short video clip.

Five years ago, we came together in Kyiv to make one principle clear: Crimea is Ukraine. Five years ago, the International Crimea Platform was established, a consultation and coordination format to uphold international law, defend Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and advance the de-occupation of Crimea. Since then, the Crimea Platform has brought the world together, from Europe to Asia, from Africa to the Americas. Together, we have strengthened the policy of non-recognition. We have kept Crimea on the international agenda. We have advanced sanctions and accountability. We have documented human rights violations. We have addressed security in the Black Sea and beyond. For 12 years, Russia has sought to silence its crimes in Crimea and transform the peninsula into a military stronghold. Crimeans are targeted for political persecution. Civic movements and independent journalists are labeled foreign agents and banned by Russia, while children and young people are being militarized. In the first days of the occupation, Russia seized the entire information space in Crimea, along with its telecommunication infrastructure. Today, Russia is waging a full-scale cognitive war, exerting informational pressure on society in cyberspace, and implementing its own systems of control, filtering, and monitoring. We will not let Crimea be silenced. Because standing with Crimea is taking a stand for international law, for sovereignty, for the principles of the United Nations. From Kyiv, where it began, to New York, where in 2025 the Crimea Platform stood at the heart of the United Nations. Today, we are here again to say thank you to all who stand with Ukraine, to all who keep Crimea on the agenda. United for Crimea, unmoved on principles. The Crimea Platform, stronger together?

I personally will do everything to return Crimea. President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, said these words five years ago at the first summit of the International Crimea Platform. just six months before Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Since then, President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to these words again and again. It is my great honor and privilege to invite the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to deliver his keynote address. The floor is yours, Mr. President.

Thank you so much, dear ladies and gentlemen, dear our friends, real friends and partners. First of all, I want to thank you for supporting our platform, Crimea Platform. And this is already, by the way, the sixth meeting of our Crimea Platform. And today we have more than 60 participants here, including 16 leaders from every continent. And for the first time, Panama, we're very happy to see you, and Trinidad and Tobago take part. The representation keeps growing, and today it's the strongest we have had in all the years of the Crimean Platform, the biggest one. And this global presence really matters. And this is not just yet another format, and it's not just an annual meeting, it's a constant, confirmation that you truly respect the basic principles of normal life, of normal human life. Today, it almost sounds strange even to say the words "international law." And almost no one in the world believes in international law anymore. But we still do not want these words to lose their meaning, completely. We want international law to have real force. This is what decides whether human life has any real value at all. When we speak about international law, we mean this. We want Russia, which started this war and is stealing land, to be held responsible. We want the people Russia keeps under occupation in Crimea and in other temporarily occupied parts of our country, in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, in our Ukrainian Donbas, and those Russia keeps in prisons and camps, to at least have hope that one day, one day Russia will be held accountable for all these crimes. crimes. When we come together for a meeting like this, when we see that the Crimean Platform brings together people, together people like you, we know that hope is still there. And this is not something that matters only in a moral sense today. And the world is struggling with the cost of living crisis and absolutely terrible prices increasing, increases in energy and in food. All of this inevitably brings us back to Crimea. This is where it all began so many years ago in, by the way, in 2014, Crimea. Our Crimea is at the center of Putin's war and of all the crisis that come from the fighting in the Black Sea. If Russia had not stolen Crimea, if Putin had not turned Crimea into a source of war and a huge military base, grain and fertilizers, diesel and oil would now be moving freely across the Black Sea, just as they did before Putin's war against us. But he chose to break every possible rule. And now, on top of this, we see the war with Iran and other crises across the Middle East and the Gulf. They only add to what started so long ago with Putin's belief that he could start a war and get away with it. Today, people in many countries paying more, paying more out of their own pockets just to live, while others are being forced to fight for their lives simply because one man decided he could redraw borders however he wanted. Year after year, we are forced to deal with the same problems again, just as in 2022. Now we are once again working to secure the food corridor in the Black Sea and the export of other goods that global markets really need. And I'm grateful to Europe and grateful to America, to everyone who is trying to help us. I'm grateful to Turkey, Egypt, and other countries of the world. We have discussed this with our partners. Many, many have already joined the work to protect food security and safe navigation in the Black Sea. Egypt, India, Turkey have already put forward options for us, and they are on paper. We agree with the path that can bring security, and now we are waiting for Russia's response. Ukraine is ready to do its part to ensure calm, safe shipping, and food security in the Black Sea if Russia is ready to take real steps toward de-escalation, too. We have to start somewhere, and Russia has to start by respecting others. And basic respect for the world begins with simple things: food security, energy security, and the right of people to live without fear. Russia has to go through this change. The disrespect began with Crimea in 2014, when Russia entered Crimea. So there can be no full return to normality without Crimea, without restoring security, protecting people and lives, freeing the prisoners Russia is holding, and returning to the basic principles of international law. Territorial integrity matters. The sovereignty of states matters. Human lives matters. And Russia has to learn this. Today we have someone here with us who knows exactly what means, what that means. Darina, a young woman from Crimea, she will tell you what it's like to live under occupation, to be intimidated, to face propaganda every day, which tries to change the way people think and feel, and still remain with Ukraine. Thank you so much. Thank you, Daryna. And I thank all of you who are helping us. Thank you for standing with us today, standing with Ukraine always. Thank you for remembering Crimea, Ukraine and Crimea. Daku, slava Ukraini. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Mr. President, thank you for your statement and your personal role in forging this global alliance for Crimea. Our next speaker is a true representative of his.

Dear President of Ukraine, distinguished heads and representatives of the participating countries of the sixth Crimea Platform Summit, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all esteemed participants of this summit, which is of great importance to the entire world, our country, and especially to the indigenous people of Ukraine. Today marks the 4,599th day since the occupation of Crimea. I firmly believe this number would not have reached four digits, and the occupation would have ended 12 years ago. had the actions of both the Ukrainian government and the entire international community been more resolute and decisive. During those deeply worrying days when Russian troops began their invasion of Crimea, We, as representatives of the peninsula's indigenous people, try to do our best to stay in constant touch with the government of our country, coordinate our actions with them, and reach out to the embassies of countries friendly to us in Kyiv. Appealing first and foremost to the signatory states of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine surrendered and dismantled its nuclear arsenal in exchange for guarantees of its security and territorial integrity. We also sent appeals for assistance to the United Nations Security Council, NATO leadership, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. We anticipated resolute actions against the occupiers from the authorities of our country and our allies. Thousands of our young people expressed their readiness to take up arms against the occupiers alongside Ukrainian military units stationed in Crimea. But the responses from the Ukrainian government and embassies amounted to requests not to take any actions that might lead to bloodshed, along with assurances that the issue of Crimea's liberation would undoubtedly be secured through diplomatic pressure upon the aggressor. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military units stationed in Crimea left the peninsula following orders from Kyiv. This stance of the Ukrainian authorities and our Western allies greatly emboldened Putin to carry out further seizures of Ukrainian territory. And in Crimea, representatives of the indigenous people became the primary targets of repressions, mass searches, arrests, torture, abductions, and murders of activists. Of course, military action against the occupiers in Crimea could have led to significant bloodshed, but I am absolutely certain that it would have halted further Russian expansion and, consequently, prevented much greater bloodshed that occurred in subsequent years and continues up to this day. Unfortunately, there was no decisive action on the part of our allies, even after February 24, 2022, when approximately 200,000 Russian regular troops invaded Ukrainian territory from five directions, including from the territory of Belarus and the occupied Crimea. As everyone knows, instead of providing urgent military assistance, or at least immediate supply of essential weaponry, our president was advised to leave the country, since according to well-informed intelligence, the Russians would seize Kyiv in three days and occupy all of Ukraine within a week. It is easy to imagine what would have happened to Ukraine and its people, and indeed to Europe, if our president, instead of fulfilling his duties to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, had accepted this piece of advice. Following the outcomes of all five previous Crimea Platform summits beginning on August 2021, strong resolutions were adopted. These resolutions listed the provisions of international law violated by the aggressor state, gross human rights violations, changes to Crimea's demographics, and other crimes. They contain demands to ensure the territorial integrity of Ukraine in accordance with international law, along with other very appropriate statements. But if anything has changed since the first Crimea Platform summit, it has only been for the worse. New Ukrainian territories have been occupied. A river of blood has been shed. Over a million people have died, and cities and villages have been destroyed. The scale of the occupiers' oppression in Crimea against all dissidents, and especially against the representatives of the indigenous people, has dramatically increased. I have adhered to the principle of nonviolence throughout my entire life. Following the deportation and genocide of 1944, the Crimean Tatars fought for nearly half a century to return back to their homeland, Crimea, and to secure their civil rights. They never shed a single drop of somebody's blood, despite facing brutal repressions themselves. For my commitment to the principles of nonviolence and democracy, I was even awarded the United Nation Nansen Refugee Award. But now it is quite clear that peaceful and diplomatic methods are practically powerless to stop Putin's Russian fascism, a regime responsible for the murder of millions of people, the destruction of hundreds of cities and villages, driven by the goal of annihilating the Ukrainian state and subsequently exploiting Ukrainian's human potential for future wars. I believe this should be reflected in the final document of the sixth Crimea Platform Summit. As is well known, last October, the Kremlin actively sent boxes of chocolate to political figures, including United States congressmen, featuring images and quotes of Putin under the general heading, "Great Words of a Great Man." One of these quotes read, "Russia's border end nowhere." This expansionist statement truly reflects the worldview of the current Kremlin government and is regularly broadcast on Russian television. However, there is an alternative to this fascist slogan, which goes, "Russia's borders and whenever it gets punched in the teeth. This is precisely what Ukraine is actively working toward right now, defending not only its own territory, but in essence, entire Europe. But to ensure the swift liberation of all occupied territories and the end of the war, Ukraine requires substantial support. First and foremost, in the form of sufficient supplies of air defense weaponry to protect our population from around-the-clock Russian bombardments across the entire territory of Ukraine. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the heads and representatives of all the countries participating in this summit. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mustafa Aga, for your strong statements and your personal leadership. It is my honor to invite our distinguished guests to deliver their statements. Your participation in the sixth summit of the International Crimea Platform serves as a powerful sign of international unity and support for Ukraine. I'm kindly asking the participants to limit their national statements to two minutes so we can end our meeting in time. And I begin with inviting His Excellency Mr. Alexander Van der Bellen, the President of the Republic of Austria. Mr. President will be the first to open the series of presidential statements at today's summit. Mr. President, the floor is yours.

Thank you. Dear President Zelenskyy, Excellencies, dear colleagues, for more than a decade now, the people of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol have lived under an illegal annexation, experiencing violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights, and the restriction of minority rights, especially for the Crimean Tatars. Furthermore, we must not forget those Ukrainian civilians who have been unlawfully detained or deported, including many children. They must be released and returned. What began with the aggression against the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol led to the full-fledged Russian invasion of Ukraine as of February 24th in 2022. Putin's Russia has brought death, unconceivable suffering, and devastation to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. The determination of the Ukrainian people to defend their country, their resilience and their courage are admirable. Since day one of Russia's illegal war of aggression, Austria has stood in solidarity with Ukraine. Austria is a militarily neutral country, but neutrality never meant indifference. Today, I reaffirm Austria's support to Ukraine for as long as it takes. More than four and a half years into Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, we are witnessing a further escalation. July 2026 was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since April 2022. We must redouble our efforts and increase the pressure on the aggressor to end this senseless war as quickly as possible. No one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. However, Ukraine must have a say in how this peace looks like. Ukraine must not become the subject of a transactional deal. Any peace agreement must be comprehensive, just, and sustainable, based on the UN Charter and international law. This is in all our interests. As Austria prepares to take a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2027 and 2028, we bring the conviction with us that international law must prevail over the arbitrariness of autocrats. Finally, together with our EU partners, Austria stands ready to continue supporting Ukraine. You can count on us also with regard to the reconstruction of your country. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Now I turn to His Excellency, Mr. Petr Pavel, the President of the Czech Republic.

Ladies and gentlemen. I believe it's truly important at the background of ongoing crisis to maintain focus on Ukraine and Crimea to not only express solidarity but also to look for ways how to resolve this issue. Crimea is not only a question of Ukraine's sovereignty. It is a test of whether the international community is prepared to uphold the principles on which international peace and security depend. Russia's occupation of Crimea remains a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and what is even worse, it is committed by a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The road to full-scale war began in Crimea in 2014, and that's why any discussion of a just and lasting peace must therefore recognize this fact. The international community must continue its policy of non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea. No durable peace can be built on the acceptance of territorial conquest by force. In 2023, Czechia hosted the second parliamentary summit of the International Crimean Platform, strengthening support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea, and pressure on Russia. But our attention must go beyond territory. We must also focus on the human rights of those living under occupation. The suppression of Ukrainian identity, the indoctrination and militarization of children, arbitrary detention, torture, the persecution of journalists, and forced conscription into Russian army remain deeply concerning. The rights, culture, language, religious life, and representative institutions of the Crimean Tatars The indigenous people of Crimea must be protected and their voice heard. Crimea is Ukraine. The Czech Republic will continue to stand with Ukraine, with the Crimean people, and all those who believe that peace can only be sustainable when founded on justice, sovereignty, and respect for international law. Respect for international law requires accountability. Those responsible for aggression and other serious violations of international law must be held accountable and victims must receive justice. The International Crimea Platform is not about history. It's about shaping the future, a future in which occupation is not accepted, aggression is not rewarded, and international law remains meaningful. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President. Now I am very pleased to invite His Excellency, Mr. Edgars Rinkevics, the President of the Republic of Latvia.

Very much, Excellencies, the President, friends of Ukraine. For 12 years, Crimea has carried the weight of Russia's occupation. That same repression and violence has been unleashed across the whole Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians continue to live under occupation. They face deportations, abductions, and systemic repression. Crimean Tatars continue to face persecution. Ukrainian children are taken from their homes and families. We see that Russia seeks to erase Ukrainian identity, suppress fundamental freedoms, and impose its will by force. This is an attempt to replace international law, an attempt to replace the law with brute force and imperial spheres of influence. This is also an attempt to replace the United Nations and international monitoring with lies and total control. Excellencies, my country, Latvia, knows from our own history what it means when an imperial neighbor claims the right to decide the fate of those around it. That is why our message is clear. Internationally recognized borders cannot, must not, and should not, and will not be rewritten by force. Recognized independence is not for sale. We will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea, Sevastopol, or any other part of Ukraine. Our message to Ukrainians living under occupation is: You are not forgotten. Your identity, your rights, and your future belong to you. Latvia will continue to support Ukraine. We believe that Ukraine must be and will be whole, sovereign, and free. Crimea is Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President. And now it is my honor to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Gitanas Nausėda, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, who has personally taken part in every summit of International Crimea Platform. Please.

For reminding me. Thank you, President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to address the sixth summit of the International Crimea Platform here at the United Nations Headquarters. This meeting reminds us of a simple but important truth: Russia's war against Ukraine did not begin in 2022. It began in 2014 with the illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. More than 12 years later, Crimea and its residents remain under occupation. The peninsula has become Russia's military base and also a place where human rights are systematically violated. We do not recognize the occupation and illegal annexation of Crimea or any other Ukrainian territory by Russia, de jure, neither de jure nor de facto. A just and lasting peace cannot be achieved without respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As President Zelensky has repeatedly stated, this war started with Crimea and must ultimately end with Crimea's return to Ukraine. Today, I call on all members of International Crimea Platform and the United Nations to take five actions. First, continue the policy of non-recognition. We urge all states to reject any attempt to recognize Crimea and other occupied Ukrainian territories as a part of Russia. This is especially important in the work of global international organizations and in cases such as the Equal Earth projection depicting Crimea separately from Ukraine. Second, keep Crimea high on the international agenda. Sustained attention in the United Nations and all relevant international organizations must be ensured. Crimea should not be considered by international organizations and their representatives as some kind of taboo issue. Third, strengthen international monitoring and reporting on human rights violations, political repression, and militarization in occupied Crimea. Fourth, increase pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and accountability mechanisms. And fifth, continue supporting the people of Crimea by demanding the release of political prisoners, protecting human rights defenders, and documenting Russia's abuses under occupation. Dear colleagues, Lithuania remains committed to Ukraine's victory. freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Crimea is Ukraine, and it will remain Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President. Our next speaker is the President of the Republic of Montenegro, His Excellency Jakov Milatovic. Mr. President, the floor is yours.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Dear President Zelenskyy, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is indeed a privilege to address you today at this very important summit dedicated to the International Crimea Platform and our continued support for Ukraine. For more than a decade, since 2014, we have witnessed the illegal annexation of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory. These actions violate the international law and undermine the rules-based international order. In addition, since 2022, Russia's full-scale war of invasion has brought immense suffering to the people of Ukraine and profound consequences for Europe and the wider international community. It represents yet another grave violation of international law and a profound challenge to the principles on which European peace and stability have been built. The Ukrainian people are courageously defending their homeland, freedom, and right to determine their own future. Their struggle carries significance far beyond Europe, standing as a powerful defense of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. And this broader commitment is also reflected in the continued support provided by the NATO Allies. As a NATO Ally and the country fully aligned with the EU's common foreign security policy, Montenegro has supported Ukraine politically, financially, and through humanitarian assistance from the very day one. We continue to advocate for Ukraine in the United Nations, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe, and to support accountability and justice mechanisms. We have signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, and our actively engaged International Coalition for the Return of the Ukrainian Children. In conclusion, let me emphasize that Montenegro will continue to stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the struggle for sovereignty, freedom, dignity, and a just and lasting peace as long as it is needed. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Now I turn to His Excellency, Mr. Peter Pellegrini, the President of the Slovak Republic.

Dear Mr. President Zelensky, Excellencies, distinguished guests, Slovakia's position on Crimea is clear and it has not changed. We do not and we will not recognize Russia's illegal annexation on Crimea. Crimea is part of Ukraine. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders must be fully respected. For Slovakia, this is a matter of principle. No country has the right to take another country's territory through the threat or use of force. Our security, like that of every country, depends on respect for international law. Sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot depend on who is stronger. And this same principle applies to Russia's so-called elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. We do not recognize these elections or their results on these territories. They cannot change the legal status of Crimea or any other part of Ukraine. If we accept the territory can be taken by force, we weaken peace and stability in Europe and beyond, and we send a dangerous message force can prevail over law. Slovakia rejects that message. Crimea is Ukraine. Borders cannot be changed by force. And Slovakia will continue to stand by these principles. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. And now I am very pleased to invite His Excellency, Mr. Alar Karis, the President of the Republic of Estonia.

President Zelensky, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. We meet today to reaffirm a simple and fundamental truth: Crimea is Ukraine. This is not merely a statement about borders on a map, although borders themselves are a matter of principle. It is a statement about international law, about the right of nations to exist and determine their future freely, and about whether aggression, illegal occupation and annexation can ever be legitimized simply because an occupier has held territory for long enough. For us in Estonia, as in all the Baltic states, this is not an abstract principle. We know what occupation means. For 50 years, our countries lived under Soviet occupation and Soviet rule, imposed against our will. Our sovereignty was denied, our people were deported, our institutions were dismantled, Our national identities were subjected to systematic pressure. Yet occupation did not erase our states. This is the lesson our history gives us today. Passage of time cannot and does not make aggression and occupation legal. Borders cannot be changed by force. That is why we cannot and must not accept Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea as a new political reality. We stand with Ukraine in defending its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We stand with the people of Crimea, including the Crimean Tatar people, who continue to endure occupation and repression. We must remain determined. We must keep Crimea at the center of international diplomacy. We must continue supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary. We must document violation of international law and human rights, reject the normalization of occupation, and prepare for recovery and reconstruction of a free Ukrainian Crimea. Peace is essential, but a just and lasting peace cannot mean rewarding aggression. A settlement that leaves millions of Ukrainians under occupation, repression, and coercion is not peace. Peace must restore the rights that war has sought to destroy and endure Russia's accountability for a crime of aggression, the war crimes and the crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine. The question, therefore, for us is wider than Crimea or even Ukraine. It is whether in Europe or around the world, force can determine borders and whether an aggression can simply wait for the world to grow tired. Our answer must be a resounding no. Let us stand with Ukraine until its territorial integrity is restored and its people are free to determine their own future. And let us work for the day when Ukrainian flag flies freely over Crimea once again. Crimea is Ukraine. Ukraine will be free. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President. Now I am honored to invite His Excellency Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, whose leadership plays an important role in maintaining European unity and strengthening the European Union's support for Ukraine. The floor is yours, please. Thank you.

Dear Minister, good morning to you all. Let me begin, as others before me started, with a simple fact. Crimea is Ukraine. Force may give you possession, but it can never give you title. What territory Russia has temporarily seized remains Ukrainian by law. No illegal referendum, no imposed passport, and no sham election can change that. Let me state another simple fact. The quickest way to end this war, to find a path to peace and a route to justice and dignity, is for Russia to return to its internationally recognized borders. That was true in 2014. It was true in 2022, and it remains true today. We have never doubted Ukrainians' courage and resilience, and we know that nearly 4 million Ukrainians live under occupation. They face repression, arbitrary detention, torture, disappearances, and violence. Children are deported, re-educated, and militarized. Civilian detainees and prisoners of war are held in unacceptable conditions, while Crimean Tatars continue to face systematic violations and persecution. All this to say that the human dimension must remain at the heart of our work. That is why I am especially honoured that Mustafa Adzemilev is with us today. Your life is a reminder that repression can endure for years, but it can never turn a wrong into a right. The European Union has stood with Ukraine since the start of Russia's aggression, and when Russia escalated that aggression into a full-scale invasion in 2022, Europe responded with even greater resolve. And our commitment goes far beyond words. The European Union remains one of Ukraine's strongest supporters, providing political, financial, economic, humanitarian, diplomatic, and military assistance. Part of that means keeping up the pressure on Russia. The European Union has now adopted 21 packages of sanctions, including asset freezes, travel bans, trade restrictions, and measures targeting Russia's war machine. And you can rest assured that the European Parliament will continue to push to tighten restrictions, prevent circumvention, and close loopholes. To conclude, I want to speak directly to anyone who may still question why Europe continues to stand with Ukraine. The European Union was built for peace. But as millions of Europeans who spent decades behind the Iron Curtain know, peace without freedom, dignity, and justice is no real peace at all. So we will keep pushing for that real peace, and we will keep insisting on nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Dear President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr, we were with Ukraine, we are with Ukraine, and we will be with Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I am very pleased to invite His Excellency Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, representing the crucial role that international organizations play in upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Mr. Secretary General, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, dear President Zelensky, dear Minister Siviglia, Excellencies, dear friends. We all have condemned this occupation for over a decade, and what is needed now, as you mentioned, dear Andri, is accountability. And I want to be very concrete. about what we have now and what that means. And I will start with mentioning that the path to accountability already exists. The Council of Europe, with the Member States, with the partners around the world, has built it piece by piece. Very concretely, on Crimea, this accountability has a legal foundation and it already has a verdict. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled not in general terms, but specifically on Crimea and Russia is bound by this ruling. This ruling found Russia responsible as the occupying power for a pattern of violations in Crimea: arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, suppression of Crimean Tatar institutions and media, forced imposition of Russian citizenship, and the transfer of children. This is not our characterization. This is a binding judgment. And my two points now on this. The first, this will remain. This will not disappear now. This is international, based on international law. And the second point, this obliged Russia to comply. Even if we see that the execution takes time, It is then a question about, uh, enforcement, it's not a question anymore about the ruling, it will remain, it is a question about enforcement. The second point I want to mention here is, uh, that implementation is needed now and not, uh, another declaration. A judgment that sits on a shelf changes nothing. It starts with releasing those unlawfully and arbitrarily detained. It means bringing Ukraine's children home. It means enforcing what the court has already decided. And my first and last point is about the whole path on accountability with the member states of the Council of Europe, with other partners around the world. We have, additionally to what I mentioned, The Register of Damage, it is operational, recording losses for future reparation. We have the International Claims Commission. It will turn those records into enforceable compensation. And obviously the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression will prosecute the crime that made all the others possible. Those elements are not proposals. They are mechanisms. open today for every state that shares these principles to join, to ratify, and fund. And my very last point is that no peace process can go around this. No negotiation can trade away the rights of the people of Crimea and the occupied territories in exchange of a ceasefire. A peace that ignores them will not hold. Only a peace built on law and on justice will. Thank you.

Thank you, Secretary General. Now it is my great pleasure and honor to invite His Excellency, Mr. Nicu Ceau Tane, the President of Romania, to take the floor, please.

President Zelensky, dear colleagues, the Romanian position doesn't change from the beginning of that war, even for the moment of Crimea. So we stand for Ukraine, we'll support Ukraine. I have been in Ukraine last week. Romania is partner in this Carpathian initiative launched by Ukraine together with the Carpathian countries. The truth is that Russia in this very moment is not seeking peace. So we have to strengthen our efforts in order to bring them to the negotiation table. So our economical sanction have to be strengthened. And we must keep our unity in supporting Ukraine. And I'm sure that this war will end with peace that the Ukrainian people deserves.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to give the floor to His Serene Highness Alois, the Hereditary Prince of Principality of Liechtenstein. Please.

Thank you, dear Mr. President Zelenskyy, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Today, we have an opportunity to send a strong message of unity and solidarity with Ukraine and to reaffirm our collective commitment to uphold the UN Charter. The international community's lack of response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014 created the conditions for the full-scale invasion of 2022. Liechtenstein has condemned the illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and other illegally occupied territories of Ukraine, and we reiterate that we will not recognize illegal annexations in Ukraine or anywhere else. In recent years, we have witnessed states undermining the prohibition on the illegal use of force, which is at the core of the UN Charter. In standing up for Crimea, we are also making an essential and far-reaching statement to support international law. Excellencies, Ukraine's momentum on the battlefield raises the possibility of ever more dangerous attacks by the Russian Federation. It is key in this respect to put maximum pressure on the Russian Federation to end its aggression. The agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine on the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine sends an important signal in this respect. Liechtenstein is pleased to express its support for the Special Tribunal at the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting in Chisinau on 14th and 15th of May. We commend Ukraine for its resilience to determine its own destiny in the face of Russia's aggression. We recognize that it faces internal challenges and trust it will be able to manage these in line with its own governance structures. Excellencies, it is essential that we give all possible support to Ukraine at this key moment in the conflict. For Liechtenstein's part, this means to support displaced people from the Ukraine in need of protection and our ongoing commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction. Liechtenstein continues to support the ceasefire and the just peace for Ukraine as outlined by the UN General Assembly, which stands on the foundation of the rule of law, and the enforcement of the rules governing the use of force enshrined in the UN Charter. I thank you.

Thank you. Now it is my great pleasure and honor to invite Daria Fursova, who was born in Simferopol in 2003 and left the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea for Kyiv in 2021. Please.

Distinguished heads of states, ladies and gentlemen, dear participants of the summit, it is a great honor to be here today. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak, and I hope to be heard. I was born in Simferopol, in Ukrainian Crimea. When Russia occupied Crimea, I was only 11 years old. The most important period of my life and the time when identity, beliefs, and understanding of the world are formed took place under the influence of the Russian occupation. Luckily, my parents and sister always reminded me, this is not normal. We're living under occupation, and our future does not belong to the occupier. They gave me the opportunity to choose my own future. I completed a Ukrainian school remotely, moved to Kyiv, enrolled at a Ukrainian university, and today I study history and work at the War Museum in Kyiv. I was lucky. But most children in occupied Crimea do not have that choice. And that is why we must continue talking about Crimea, because behind every day of the occupation is a child. Russia is not only occupying territory, it is trying to shape an entire generation. And we cannot allow a generation of children from Crimea to grow up believing that the occupation is their normal life. This is where Ukraine and our international partners can make a real difference. But we also need to tell them something much simpler. You're not forgotten, your talents matter and your future matters. And you're welcome in a free Ukraine and in a free world. I myself only understood the true meaning of these opportunities after I had left Crimea. How many young people in there today do not even know that these opportunities exist for them? But our goal cannot be just to help people escape the occupation. Our goal is to liberate Crimea, because Crimea is not just a piece of territory on a map. Crimea is people, and Crimea is home. For me, Crimea is about my childhood memories and family. It is a place where my life began and the place I still call home. That is why it is so difficult for me to hear discussions about territorial concessions. When using these words, it is easy to see just lines on a map or territories that can be transferred from one side to another. But for the people who were born and raised there, it is not territory. It is home. So for the millions of Ukrainians, Crimea is not an abstract geopolitical issue. It is a matter of justice. Today, this summit is more than a high level meeting. It is a test of our unity. Will we remain united when the occupation lasts for years? Will we continue to speak about the people whose voices Russia is trying to silence? But this is also my call to action, a call not just to remember about Crimea, not just to talk about it, but to act, to support young people from Crimea, to create educational exchanges, internships, grants, and other opportunities for those who have left, to prepare for the reintegration of Crimea, and to firmly support the territorial integrity of Ukraine. and our right to return home. Thank you.

And slava Ukraini.

Now, I have a pleasure to turn to His Excellency, Mr. Andrej Plenkovic, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia. Please.

Minister Cibica, dear President Zelensky, dear Mustafa Cemilev, I'm, as we are all, moved by the words of a young lady that has explained to us what it means 12 years out of her home, out of Crimea, and maybe for her, luckily, avoiding the examples that others had to endure. the arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and the systematic silencing of dissent. These are the consequences of illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea, which is, as we have all said, Ukrainian territory and should remain as such. We stated this as Croatia when we hosted the first parliamentary summit of the International Crimea Platform back in 2022. And we have said how much the adherence to the international law is important, not only for Ukraine, but for all of us. And this is what it all boils to. Also, it comes to standing firm on reiterating the UN Charter, on reaffirming the GA's resolutions on Crimea, stating that sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders are important for Ukraine. In that context, we must be firm on non-recognition. Occupation must never become ordinary, and time must never turn force into right. Non-recognition is not passivity, but it keeps the door open to peace and justice. And I speak from a country that has walked a similar situation through. Therefore, Mr. President, dear Ukrainian friends, We fully support today's joint statement, and we will be by you as long as it stands, not only for Ukraine, but for other -- for Crimea, but also for other Ukrainian occupied territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. I want to ask -- next speaker is the Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta, His Excellency, Mr. Robert Abela. Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. President, dear Volodymyr, Excellencies, dear colleagues. Twelve years since its first annexation, the forced annexation, Malta once again strongly condemns Russia's illegal and illegitimate occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. These actions violate the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of states. as enshrined within the Charter of the United Nations. Once again, we call upon the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its illegal military occupation of Crimea, together with the other Russian-annexed areas in mainland Ukraine. The lives of men, women, children, and the elderly unfortunately continue to deteriorate under discriminatory repression and strict control imposed by the occupying authorities. Deportations, the forced imposition of Russian citizenship, restrictions on freedom of expression, militarization of youth, and unfair criminal proceedings have indeed intensified. We deplore the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children from the Russian-occupied territories inside Ukraine by the Russian Federation and all measures being adopted deliberately aimed at depriving them from their right to preserve their national identity. We urge the Russian authorities to implement the immediate and unconditional return of all unlawfully deported, as well as forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. Accountability is essential to securing justice for victims, deterring future violations, and preserving the integrity of the international legal system. Malta remains firmly committed to this and will continue to actively support the engagement of international courts, tribunals, and accountability mechanisms, whose work is central to upholding international law, ensuring redress for victims, and defending the principles upon which international peace, security, and cooperation are founded. Mr. President, to conclude, Malta, which has neutrality, active neutrality, enshrined in its constitution, reaffirms its firm support to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, without any precondition. This includes the legal reintegration of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, all together with the city of Sevastopol, as part of Ukraine. Ending the bloodshed, stopping the aggression, and restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity remain key prerequisites towards lasting peace. I thank you once again.

Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. It is my great pleasure and honor to invite His Excellency, Mr. Janez Jansa, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, to take the floor. Please.

Mr. President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr, ladies and gentlemen, excellencies, the title of this summit, a test of unity, a call for action. captures precisely the choice before us: serenity, territorial integrity, the prohibition of acquiring territory by force. These principles cannot depend on geography, size, or power. They must apply equally to every nation. This is why the Organization of United Nations was established. This is why Crimea matters far beyond Ukraine. For my country, for Slovenia, this means continued support for Ukraine's ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It means political, military, humanitarian and financial assistance. It means maintaining pressure on Russia pursuing accountability for violations of international law, and rejecting every attempt to normalize occupation or territorial conquest. Slovenia stands with Ukraine. Crimea is Ukraine. Slavs are Ukraine.

Thank you, Prime Minister. Now I am honored to invite His Excellency, Mr. Xavier Furt Zamora, the Prime Minister of the Principality of Andorra, please.

President Zelensky, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to first commend the organization of the 6th International Crimea Platform. It is an honor to represent the Government of the Principality of Andorra at this important forum, which brings together countries committed to working towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which is a blatant breach of international law, resilience emerges as a vital force in the pursuit of peace, recovery and justice. Andorra reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine The suffering caused by this war requires the international community to remain united and steadfast in its response. As a demonstration of its commitment to international law and the rules-based international order, Andorra has joined the International Crimea Platform. We support its efforts to promote stability, uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and advance respect for international humanitarian law. Since the beginning of the conflict, Andorra has aligned itself with the sanctions adopted by the European Union, welcomed more than 400 Ukrainian refugees and contributed within its means to international assistance efforts, including the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine. These actions reflect our conviction that solidarity, justice and respect for the rule of law must guide our response to this conflict. Excellencies, Andorra will continue to support Ukraine and work with the international community to ensure accountability, justice, and peace. We remain convinced that the respect for international law and multilateralism offers the only path towards a sustainable and peaceful future. It is our shared responsibility to end the suffering of the civil population and to work together for a sustainable peace, security, development, and well-being in Europe. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much. And it is my great pleasure and honor to invite His Excellency, Mr. Jonas Sture, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway. Please.

Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Mr. President, for convening us. I will be short. I think this is an opportunity, again, to recall that history has to be remembered. Russia's war against Ukraine did not start in 2022. Sometimes it's referred to February that year, of course, massive invasion, but it started back in 2014. And my focus in this short intervention, I was very moved by the young lady who was born in Crimea, is the human right dimension of this. Among those who were deported, Crimean Tatars had grandparents who have been deported from Crimea in 1944. So they lost, in a way, their homeland a second time. That's quite extraordinary on the scene of Europe. So I think the purpose of these meetings, which we now have had a few times, is to not allow the illegal occupation to be normalized. That is the key. So the passage of time cannot render an unlawful occupation lawful. Crimea is part of Ukraine. The Charter of the United Nations is a solid document. It's being challenged regularly. Again, focusing on the human right dimension of this, hundreds of people in Crimea are subject to political prosecution. Many of them are Crimean Tatars. UN monitors have documented enforced disappearances, cases of torture, and efforts to suppress dissenting voices, fabricated terrorism charges, long sentences, and prisoners who are transferred away, far away from their families, which is another violation of the Geneva Convention. So, since we are in the hall of the UN, I think we have to really underline that the human rights monitoring mechanism and independent investigations must not sleep. They have to be there, they have to document, and they have to keep this memory alive. So I think, friends, the risk today is not that the world condemns the occupation too little. We do. It is that the world grows used to it. That is what we have to work against, and that's why this platform is so important. And you know, Mr. President, that we stand by Ukraine. We stand by this struggle in all eight ways. This war has to end. Russia must end this aggression. and withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine, including Crimea. There is no room for ambiguity on this, no room for normalization. Slava Ukraini.

Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, for your valuable remarks and statements. Dear friends, I would like to thank the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for his participation in the Crimean Platform. Thank you, Mr. President. And we will continue our meeting. Your Excellencies, due to limited time, I am kindly asking you to limit your speeches to two minutes. And I am honored to invite His Excellency, Mr. Bekim Salihi, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia.

Dear Minister, dear Mustafa Cemilev, dear excellencies, distinguished colleagues, at a time when the fundamental principles of international law are under grave pressure, our unity must be expressed not only through words, but through consistent and determined action. North Macedonia firmly reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The attempted illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol remains a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. Territorial acquisition through the use of force must never be recognized or legitimized. Allowing such violations to become normalized would endanger not only Ukraine, but the security, stability, and sovereignty of every nation. For North Macedonia, respect for international law is not an abstract principle. It is the essential foundation of peaceful relations among states and the guarantee that the rights of all countries, regardless of their size, will be equally protected. We therefore support the full implementation of the relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions and reiterate our call for the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces from the territory of Ukraine. We must also continue our joint efforts to ensure accountability, protect civilians and cultural heritage, address the human, environmental, and economic consequences of the occupation, and secure the safe return of Ukrainian children. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved in accordance with the UN Charter and with full respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. North Macedonia remains committed to coordinated international action and to the principles represented by the International Crimea Platform. Ukraine can continue to count on our solidarity, friendship, and steadfast support. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Excellency. I have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Makhar Botscherashvili, the Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia. Please.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor for me to be here today to participate in this important meeting and to represent Georgia. For Georgia, the issue of Crimea, Ukraine, is not simply one item of international agenda. We know all too well what it means when the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated. That is precisely why the united and resolute position of the international community in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is of particular importance to us. For decades, Georgia itself has experienced the consequences of the erosion of the international order and the disregard of the international norms and principles. Russia's occupation of two regions of Georgia continues to this day and remains one of the most serious security challenges for our country. We know how devastating the impact of occupation can be for individuals, for families, and for society as a whole. Because of this experience, Georgia attaches particular importance to solidarity, respect for international law, and steadfast commitment to the principles upon which peaceful and secure international order must be built. The International Crimea Platform is an important platform forum for sustaining international attention to Ukraine and more importantly, for translating our shared commitments into concrete actions. Georgia is committed to peace and conflict resolution, and we appreciate the steadfast international support for these efforts. We welcome all genuine efforts aimed at ending the war and achieving a lasting peace, a peace grounded on the principles of UN Charter and international law. Georgia stands firmly with Ukrainian people and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Thank you.

Thank you, my dear colleague. Now I am honored to invite His Excellency Mihai Popescu, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova. Please.

Excellencies, 12 years have passed since the Russian Federation illegally occupied and subsequently attempted to annex Crimea. This remains a fundamental challenge to international peace and security and to the very principle upon which our international order is built. We are gathered here today to reaffirm our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized border, including Crimea. Crimea Platform was established on a simple but fundamental understanding: International peace and security depend on the respect for international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the non-use of force, and protection of human rights. These principles are not optional. They are the foundation of the United Nations Charter and of the international order we are collectively built to and committed to uphold. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has profoundly challenged this order. For more than four years, Ukraine has been fighting not only for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also for the principles to protect every state, large or small, from the use of force and arbitrary drawing of borders. The consequences reach far beyond Ukraine. They affect regional security, food, energy security, economic stability, and the resilience of societies across Europe and beyond. My country is no exception. We are a peaceful country and a peaceful people. But we know that peace cannot be taken for granted when international law is violated and aggression is left without consequences. We cannot build a stable regional security order on the acceptance of the force as a means of changing borders. Our common objective must therefore be clear, restore respect for international law, support Ukraine in restoring its territorial integrity, and ensure that such violations are not repeated. Moldova is determined to do its part. Dear friends, The decision of the European Union to open accession negotiation with Moldova and Ukraine is a historic one. The accession process will require sustained effort, resilience, and determination. We are ready for this journey. For Moldova, European path is a clear choice for the future based on peace, security, democracy, and rule of law. We will accept no gray zones where sovereignty and security remain uncertain. We choose to be part of Europe where borders are respected, international law matters, and issues are addressed through diplomacy. Let me be equally clear. The Republic of Moldova has condemned and continues to condemn the illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, as well as so-called referenda in the attempted illegal annexation of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The Republic of Moldova does not and will not recognize any attempted territorial change. Our position is principled and unequivocal. Ukraine's territorial integrity International recognized borders must be respected. Finally, let me express once again our deepest admiration for the people of Ukraine for their courage, resilience, in a depth to continue to defend their country for their freedom and their right to choose their future. Glory to Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you, my friend. And it is my great pleasure and honor to invite His Excellency Ricardo Paterno di Montecupo, the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Minister, Mr. Minister, thank you. It is an honor to me to participate in this important discussion and to reaffirm the Sovereign Order of Malta continuous solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The conflict in Ukraine represent a deep wound to the international law and the Order of Malta reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fundamental profiles of international law and international humanitarian law. The Crimea platform has an important role, and the Sovereign Order of Malta joins call for the continuous use of diplomatic channels toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. We also support effort to reaffirm the central role of the United Nations and the multilateral system in advancing international peace and security, and in providing a forum in which member states, observers, and other stakeholders can maintain dialogue and work towards peaceful solutions. We must not lose faith in multilateralism. At the same time, while diplomatic efforts continue, humanitarian action must reach those who are in desperate need. The Sovereign Order of Malta remains deeply committed to the people of Ukraine. Since 2022, the Order has delivered more than 10,000 tons of humanitarian assistance and supported a wide range of humanitarian initiatives around the country. We have distributed more than 5 million meals, thousands of generations, and our work includes emergency assistance for internally displaced persons, with the order working alongside some 230 partner organizations across Ukraine to provide shelter, essential support, and medical assistance, including prosthetic limbs to amputees in locations across Ukraine. We have expanded our psychosocial support programs. More than 60,000 Ukrainians have received such support to date. aimed at addressing the devastating long-term consequences of trauma, especially of children and other vulnerable groups. In October 2026, the order will inaugurate a dedicated mental health center and psychosocial support at Folia Clinical Hospital in Kiev, further strengthening our capacity to support those whose lives have been profoundly affected by the conflict. Yet, humanitarian assistance cannot substitute for peace. Despite the remarkable effort of humanitarian actors, state, international organizations, and civil society, we must continue to work toward a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict. Diplomatic and multilateral channels must remain open, and the international community must continue to engage in good faith toward a future in which civilians no longer bear the devastating consequences of war. Above all, we must ensure that hope is not lost. The people of Ukraine deserve the opportunity to live in peace, security, and dignity. Our responsibility is to continue working towards the condition in which that future can become possible. I thank you.

Thank you, Excellency. It is my honor to give the floor to His Excellency Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden. Please.

My dear friend Andri, distinguished colleagues, it is an honor to once again address today's events. Against the backdrop of our shared commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, allow me to make two points. First, Russia as the aggressor must never be rewarded. Crimea is Ukraine, as are Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a binding legal obligation and at the core of our international cooperation. If Russia is not held accountable for its blatant violations of the UN Charter, it would set a dangerous precedent. And as the brave young woman from Crimea said, it is not only about lines on a map. This is about home for so many Ukrainians. Second, justice and accountability are fundamentally intertwined. We are firmly committed to ensuring full accountability for Russia's countless crimes and violations of international law and human rights law, as documented in independent reports. Russia's illegal occupation of parts of Ukraine's territory has further entrenched patterns of grave and systematic human rights abuses. All children unlawfully taken from their families must be returned. All those arbitrarily detained must be released. Accountability is key for justice for the victims and a deterrent against future violations. We therefore believe now is time to take further necessary steps towards establishing the special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Let me end by emphasizing the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people because of Russia's war of aggression. While Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated its interest in serious peace negotiations, Russia has refused to engage meaningfully. Instead, Russia has intensified its deliberate attacks on civilians and infrastructure. As Ukraine continues its pursuit of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, we will continue our unwavering support for Ukraine's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Thank you, and slava Ukraini.

Thank you, my dear friend. Our next speaker is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Manuel Tovar Rivera of Costa Rica, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica. Your Excellency, the floor is yours.

Thank you. Excellencies, more than 11,000 kilometers separate Costa Rica from Crimea. Yet, the outcome of this war also matters to my country. If the annexation of Crimea is ultimately accepted, it will have proven that the use of force can change borders. Costa Rica rejects this premise. We reject the notion that aggression creates rights. We reject the idea that the passage of time can transform an unlawful act into a new political reality. What happens in Crimea will not be confined to Ukraine. It will set a precedent. A precedent for every territorial conflict or dispute, every border, and every state that relies on the protection afforded by the Charter of the United Nations. Our security depends on the respect for the international rules and the international community maintaining a clear and consistent position against the acquisition of territory by the use of force. For that reason, Costa Rica reaffirms its support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including Crimea. We also reiterate our call for the release of all detained persons, the return of deported children, and accountability for violations of international law. The choice before us is straightforward. Costa Rica has made its choice. Defending Crimea is defending the Charter of the United Nations, and defending the Charter is defending the principle that no border can be redrawn by force. Thank you.

Thank you, my dear colleague, and thank you to all our distinguished speakers for their statements. On behalf of the countries supporting the final statement of the participants of the sixth summit of the International Crimea Platform, I am honored to announce its adoption. The statement remains open for alignment. And I will close by saying that our goal is to hold this summit in a liberated Crimea, and to do so sooner rather than later. The work of the International Crimea Platform must go beyond political statements once a year. There are practical ways to support our goals every day. By ensuring that Crimea is addressed in every relevant UN General Assembly resolution on Ukraine or Russia. As a Crimean Tatar proverb says, unity is to a people what wings are to a bird. Thank you for your unity and support. Let us turn them into action through our daily work. Excellencies, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, now I have the honor to declare the Sixth Summit of International Crimean Platform closed. Thank you.