“Ukraine will never recognise Russia’s occupation of Crimea and will continue to work for its deoccupation using all available diplomatic and legal tools. Crimea is Ukraine – and it will return.” ~ @mfa_ukraine 🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦

#Repost @mfa_ukraine with @use.repost_ . . . Twelve years ago, Russia staged an illegal sham “referendum” in Ukraine’s Crimea under the guns of Russian troops. Just days later, Moscow used this fabricated vote as a pretext to attempt the illegal annexation of the peninsula.

The occupation of Crimea is a gross violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as fundamental principles of international law, including the UN Charter. The attempted annexation has been widely condemned by the international community, and the vast majority of the world does not recognise Russia’s claim over the peninsula.

Since the occupation began, Crimea has faced repression, human rights abuses, and persecution.

People are intimidated, detained, and imprisoned for their views, identity, or faith. Hundreds have faced politically motivated prosecutions, and nearly 300 people remain imprisoned by Russia. Crimean Tatars have been especially targeted. We demand the immediate release of Crimea’s political prisoners.

Ukraine will never recognise Russia’s occupation of Crimea and will continue to work for its deoccupation using all available diplomatic and legal tools. Crimea is Ukraine – and it will return.