The world must know the truth about Crimea and the Crimean Tatar people. This was stated by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska in her speech at the Crimea Platform Summit.
The President's wife spoke about the fate of human rights activist and veteran of the Crimean Tatar movement Veciye Qaşqa, who was deported from Crimea as a child by the Soviet authorities. Eventually, the woman returned home. Veciye Qaşqa died after being detained by Russian security forces at a demonstration in 2017.
“A terrible cycle turned in her life: first, imperial soldiers invaded her childhood, robbed her of her Motherland. Then the same soldiers invaded her native Crimea again, taking her life. But in fact, the life of all Ukraine, of all of us, has taken such a turn. Because the empire does not stop unless it is stopped,” the First Lady said.
Olena Zelenska stressed the need to spread the truth about Crimea and Crimean Tatars in the world. She reminded me that this is one of the goals of the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies.
“This important educational partnership should help spread the truth about Ukraine and Crimea in particular. Crimean Tatar studies should be a part of Ukrainian studies, just as Crimea is a part of Ukraine,” the First Lady said.
The President's wife urged other countries to join the cooperation. After all, it is important not only for Ukraine, but also for the entire world.
“Truth and knowledge of the truth are freedom and security. I urge the world to learn and spread the truth about Crimea and Ukraine, so that this truth could protect you as well!” the First Lady concluded.