The plenary session started with a speech by Tamila Tasheva, Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Tamila Tasheva attracted attention to the fact that despite a mass repression campaign waging in Crimea after the Russian occupation, the residents of Crimea had been still fighting and resisting the occupation.
“More than a thousand actions of resistance and solidarity with mainland Ukraine throughout Crimea since 2022 are the reality that many do not want to notice, clinging to Russian myths about pro-Russian Crimea. But Crimea, like other territories temporarily occupied by Russia, aspires to be liberated.”
At the end, the Permanent Representative called on the international community to continue supporting Ukraine and the Crimea Platform, noting that only through joint efforts it would be possible to achieve a just peace and restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Annita Demetriou, President of the Cypriot House of Representatives, stressed out that the Russian incursion was not only an attack on Ukraine but also a violation of international law.
“Ukraine must win, Russia must be held liable for all crimes committed. The seizure of Crimea and attempted occupation are illegal and will never be recognized by Cyprus.”
Javier Maroto, Vice-President of the Senate of Spain, and Afrim Gashi, President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, assured that the Russian – Ukrainian war was not only a war of Ukraine but a war of the entire democratic world.
Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, noted that Australia had committed A$1.3 billion in aid to Ukraine since the start of a full-scale invasion in 2022, making it a leader in supporting Ukraine among non-NATO nations.
Elisa Spiropali, Speaker of the Parliament of Albania, mentioned the importance of supporting Ukraine’s plan for a just peace in order to reject the constant threat to common security in Europe and the world:
“Our unity and solidarity with the authorities and the people of Ukraine is a struggle to protect our civilization, built on the principles of freedom, the right to self-determination, and the sacred rights of all peoples.”
Angelo Farrugia, Speaker of the Parliament of Malta, Charles Flanagan, Chair of the Joint Committee for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Houses of the Irish Parliament, and Albert Frick, President of the Landtag of the Principality of Liechtenstein, assured of the constant support for the independence of Ukraine, noted the resilience of Ukrainians in the struggle for their freedom and emphasized that ensuring long-term peace would be possible only through diplomatic means.
Eric Nussbaumer, President of the Swiss National Council, emphasized that parliamentarians were playing a significant role on the way to achieving sustainable peace, and could join this process in many ways, in particular through the adoption of legislation that would strengthen assistance to Ukraine:
“We confirm that the unlawful occupation of Crimea and Russia’s full-scale aggression are a violation of international law that should not be accepted by the international community.”
Eva Herzog, President of the Swiss Council of States, stressed out that Switzerland had been a committed participant of the Crimea Platform since its creation in 2021, and such platforms were extremely important as they provided opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding.
Francesca Lluch Armengol Socias, President of the Congress of Deputies of Spain, noted that in May 2022, a Russian projectile hit the Hryhorii Skovoroda National Literary and Memorial Museum, so that only a monument to the Ukrainian poet and philosopher remained from the building. She quoted Hryhorii Skovoroda, emphasizing that one man no man, therefore Spain was standing firmly on the side of Ukraine.
Raya Nazaryan, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ioannis Plakiotakis, Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament, and Ana Brnabic, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, highlighted the unchanging position of their countries regarding the attempted annexation and occupation of Ukrainian territories and assured their support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Fatafehi Fakafanua, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, reminded that Tonga consistently voted for UN resolutions condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine, including resolutions on humanitarian issues. He laid stress on importance of a collective response to Russia’s brutal actions against humanity and justice:
“Peace is not only the absence of conflicts, but primarily the presence of justice, equality and respect for international law and order.”
Yuli Edelstein, Speaker of the Knesset, Israel, emphasized that he was impressed by how Ukraine, having secured the support of the international community, was once again holding such a large international conference:
“Only by rallying together will we overcome the enemy. We must band together, evil must be punished and, in the end, good always wins. Both our countries continue to lose the best sons and daughters of our peoples, but at the end of the day, we have a bright future ahead of us, and we are moving towards it.”
Svein Harberg, Vice-President of the Stortinget of the Kingdom of Norway, stressed that no country in Europe was safe as long as Russia was confident that its aggressive actions were winning. He noted that the defensive war in Ukraine was directly related to the defence of democracy, so partners should not stop their support for Ukraine:
“Norway will not stop until we see a sovereign, independent, democratic and safe Ukraine. The path for this is clear and simple. Russia must immediately stop the war and unlawful occupation of all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea”.
Judith Cummins, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, emphasized that the British government continued to discuss the Victory Plan presented by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and remained faithful to the principle of Ukraine’s sovereignty:
“We must remember that Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty did not begin in 2022, it began with the occupation of Crimea in 2014… Britain will never recognize the illegal occupation of Crimea, because Crimea is Ukraine.”
Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, was sure that Russia should suffer a fair punishment for the crimes committed at the International Tribunal. The entire democratic community must witness this event, which will ensure peace based on justice and the rule of international law.
Denis Zvizdić, Deputy Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, laid stress on the importance of establishing an international tribunal to punish all those who committed war crimes in the territory of Ukraine, as well as the need to restore the international order based on rules and sanctions:
“The international community must increase military and economic aid to Ukraine, because otherwise the war will continue, and the world will turn a blind eye to terrible crimes, as happened in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995.”
Nikolla Camaj, Deputy Speaker of the Skupstina of Montenegro, reminded that Montenegro was the first, non-EU member, country that condemned the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
Andries Gryffroy, Deputy Speaker of the Belgian Senate, emphasized Belgium’s support for the Peace Formula proposed by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, and also called on other countries to apply sanctions and increase military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine to protect it from the aggressor. Russia’s aggressive war is disrupting the security architecture in Europe, disrupting energy markets and affecting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
Kenneth Gustaf Forslund, Deputy Speaker of the Riksdag of the Kingdom of Sweden, highlighted that the world was aware of Russia’s ambitions, marking the 10th anniversary of the occupation of Crimea in 2024, the war in Luhansk and Donetsk, as well as 3 years of a full-scale invasion:
“Ukraine is fighting for its right to exist, for the right to choose its own path within the European and global security order, as well as to ensure a peaceful future for all of us.”
Bekir Bozdag, Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, brought into focus the importance of supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, stressing that Turkey was taking an active part in the activities of the Crimea Platform:
“The conflict in Ukraine began with the unjust and illegal occupation of Crimea 10 years ago. Turkey has always been one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine.”
Peter Žiga, Acting Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia, mentioned that the war in Ukraine had a direct impact on the public, economic, social and security situation of the citizens of Slovakia:
“Peaceful, independent, democratic and flourishing Ukraine, integrated into European structures (after fulfilling certain conditions) and within internationally recognized borders, remains a strategic interest of Slovakia.”
Roberts Zīle, Vice-President of the European Parliament, said that a week before European leaders had declared the conclusions of the European Council that Russia should not win. He added that members of the European Parliament advocated strengthening sanctions and called on EU and NATO member states to provide military and financial support to Ukraine:
“If we are looking to the future in which we will be able to cooperate in a stable world order based on rules, to jointly overcome global challenges, we must recognize that there is no alternative to the victory of Ukraine, Ukrainian Crimea and the implementation of the plan of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi.”
Sorin Mihai Cîmpeanu, Vice-president of the Senate of Romania, emphasized that Romania was supporting Ukraine’s courageous struggle against the aggressor:
“Russian aggression against Ukraine did not begin in February 2022, but with the illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014. I can list for a long time the numerous crimes committed by Russia: abduction of children, murder, torture, rape… Romania calls to bring all perpetrators of crimes to justice, and this is our joint duty, and this is a legitimate demand of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”
Sergio Costa, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament, expressed solidarity with Ukraine. He highlighted Italy’s readiness to continue supporting Ukraine in accordance with the principles of international law:
“Italy does not recognize the illegal occupation of Crimea, and the conclusion of the European Council confirmed this position. Italy and the European Union support the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including Crimea.”
Danijel Krivec, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, expressed admiration for the resilience of the Ukrainian people and concern about information regarding Russia’s military cooperation with some countries, which significantly threatened world security.
Andrew Asiamah Amoako, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, assured that the government of Ghana was standing in solidarity with the authorities and people of Ukraine, and agreed with the idea of a fair punishment for Russia for all crimes committed in the territory of Ukraine:
“Russian actions are an attack on the world order and an attack on democratic values, on the supremacy of law, freedoms and rights of people, and an attack on the economies of African and other vulnerable countries. We demand that the war be ended as quickly as possible.”
Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, General Secretary of AIPA (ASEAN Interparliamentary Assembly), noted that ASEAN focused its efforts on supporting human rights, territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries, emphasizing the importance of achieving peace and security through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among the states of the region:
“Prolonged conflict has a profound impact on people’s lives, especially vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities. Human rights must be respected to ensure the dignity and well-being of those most affected by this conflict. We are committed to the protection of human rights, because this is a key step towards building sustainable peace.”
Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Vice-President of the IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union) stated that Russia’s war against Ukraine had challenged the foundations of international peace and stability and become the greatest threat to European security since the Cold War:
“The duration and scale of the war in Ukraine cause deep concern for all of us. The threat of this war, which could potentially become a prelude to a wider world war, must be averted immediately.” With two resolutions and a number of statements, the Inter-Parliamentary Union consistently condemned Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and the illegal occupation of its territory, calling on all states to observe international law.
Damián Eduardo Arabia, Head of the friendship group with Ukraine in the Chamber of Deputies of the Argentine Republic, stressed that for Argentina, peace among free states was not only a moral obligation, but also a necessary condition for prosperity. He also noted that Argentines deeply valued peace and democratic support as fundamental pillars of society.
Jesse Klaver, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives of the Netherlands, noted that the House of Representatives of the Netherlands had recognized the Holodomor — a targeted hunger campaign of the Soviet regime — as genocide. And already the current week, members of his committee called on members of the government to consider recognizing the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people as an act of genocide.
Giuliomaria Terzi di Sant’Agata, President of the European Union Policies Committee, Senate of the Italian Parliament, repeatedly mentioned that Italy, like other European states, should provide the necessary support to Ukraine and help it implement the Ukrainian peace formula. He insisted that Putin and the top leadership of the Russian Federation be brought to justice for the crimes committed with the help of the International Court of Justice or another specially created tribunal:
“Russia has encroached on world order and security in Europe and beyond. We should have noticed the first signs 10 years ago, when Russia, ignoring the principles of the UN Charter and international law, seized the territories of an independent state. This is a crime against humanity. Russia must stop occupying the territory of Ukraine.”
Laurent Zeimet, Deputy Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Chamber of Deputies of the Luxembourg Parliament, pointed out that since the Russian aggressor was trying to use the fatigue from the war in Europe, it was important to convey that the European community would not falter, that it was necessary to use all possible means to support Ukraine:
“We cannot and will not accept that aggression and cruelty determine our future. As members of parliament, we have a shared responsibility to maintain a deep and constant awareness that the war in Ukraine affects our people and our way of life. We must remain in constant dialogue with our Ukrainian friends.”
Mati Raidma, Member of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, emphasized that 10 years had passed since the Russian Federation attempted to annex Crimea. The armed conflict and Russian aggression have far-reaching consequences not only for the region, but also for the entire world.
Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, highlighted that Crimea had been the first Ukraine’s territory occupied by the Russian Federation and would become a territory which Ukraine would definitely de-occupy.
Igor Grosu, President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, pointed out:
“What is happening in Ukraine is genocide, all these actions must be condemned, and all the guilty must be punished.”
Birgir Armannsson, Speaker of the Parliament of Iceland, reminded that it was extremely important to continue to adhere to a decisive and consistent position in support of Ukraine. He noted that the international community should make maximum efforts to maintain unity in countering Russian aggression and supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine:
“Iceland demonstrates its unwavering support for an independent and sovereign Ukraine and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. This is an unprecedented step for my country, which has never supported the defense of another state outside NATO before”.
Michael Thomas, Chair of the Juridical Committee, Legislative Assembly of Liberia, recalled that the UN Charter stated that all member states must be free in their international relations from the threat of the use of aggressive force against their territorial integrity and sovereignty:
“In response to Russia’s occupation of Crimea, the UN resolution was signed by more than a hundred member states, including the Republic of Liberia. This resolution demonstrates the global commitment to maintaining peace, especially in these challenging times.”
Refat Chubarov, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar People, on behalf of all Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, thanked the participants of the summit for their firm position on non-recognition of Russia’s encroachments on Ukrainian territories. He called not to rest on the achieved and continue to use the Ukrainian peace formula in order to increase political and diplomatic pressure on the dictator Putin and his supporters. He is convinced: only global unity, determination and military power will force the Russian aggressor to peace, to withdraw troops from the occupied territories of Ukraine and strictly adhere to the principles of international law:
“We will definitely win, because the truth is with us. This war began with the seizure of Crimea and will end with the liberation of Crimea and the restoration of Ukraine’s state sovereignty on the Crimean Peninsula.”
The material was prepared by Crimea Platform website.