The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk took part in the Forum "11 Years of War. The starting point: Crimea", where together with international partners, representatives of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, diplomats and the military he discussed Ukraine's struggle to liberate the temporarily occupied peninsula.
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament recalled that on 26 February 2014, thousands of Crimeans — Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars — protested in Simferopol, chanting: "Crimea is Ukraine!" "It was the first mass resistance to the occupation, which continues to this day, despite repression, arrests and pressure," he added.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also stressed the need to increase international pressure on russia to liberate Crimea. He emphasised that the crimes of the occupation regime include hundreds of illegally imprisoned Crimeans, persecution for pro-Ukrainian positions, destruction of national identity and complete militarisation of the peninsula.
"The de-occupation of Crimea is inevitable. Military, diplomatic and sanctions pressure must be intensified to bring russia to justice and liberate Ukrainian land," said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
He called on international partners not to reduce the level of support for Ukraine, as every decision and every step is a contribution to the restoration of justice.
"Glory to all those who are fighting — for Crimea, for every Ukrainian region, for the people who have been deprived of their homes and freedom by russia. Glory to Ukraine!" the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada concluded his speech.