Following the inaugural summit of the Crimea Platform, a joint declaration will be signed, which will be open for joining by other states and create a solid political basis for further work. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his speech at the opening of the inaugural summit of the Crimea Platform.
"In the declaration, we give an unequivocal assessment of Russia's illegal and aggressive actions, reaffirming our readiness to adhere to the policy of non-recognition of the attempted annexation of Crimea until the moment of its deoccupation," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the summit of the Crimea Platform is being held "not for the sake of another summit."
"The issue of Crimea should not disappear from the international agenda for another seven years," the President added.
The President invited the summit participants to focus on practical work and coordination of efforts on specific issues.
"Among them are the strengthening of sanctions, protection of human rights, which is very important, overcoming the environmental and economic consequences of the occupation, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President also noted that an office had been set up to support the Crimea Platform, which had already started operating.
"Working 24/7, the office will monitor the human rights situation on a daily basis, collect information on the growth of military activity on the peninsula, monitor the environmental and economic situation in the temporarily occupied territory," the President explained.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited the summit participants to nominate authorized representatives who will liaise with the office and coordinate joint work.
