Turkey’s Foreign Ministry reaffirms firm stance on Crimea
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey has once again declared its categorical refusal to recognize the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by the Russia, emphasizing full support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The ministry stressed that the events of 2014 contradict international legal norms and cannot be considered legitimate.
The official statement was released ahead of the twelfth anniversary of the illegal referendum that Russia used in an attempt to legitimize its seizure of Ukrainian territory.
“On the twelfth anniversary of the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea of Ukraine by the Russian Federation following an illegal referendum, we once again confirm that we do not recognize this de facto situation, which is contrary to international law,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey said.
Turkish diplomats also paid special attention to the fate of the peninsula’s indigenous people — the Crimean Tatars — whose rights are systematically violated by the occupying authorities.
Turkey stated that it will continue to closely monitor the human rights situation in Crimea and regularly raise the issue at the international level.
“Our country, which firmly supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, will continue to closely follow developments on the peninsula, particularly the situation of the Crimean Tatar Turks, and keep this issue on the international agenda,” the statement said.
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked Turkey to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. Turkish forces also reportedly shot down a drone over the Black Sea.
