Dzhaparova: Partners must clearly understand no peace talks without Crimea

The relevant statement was made by First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova in her speech at the opening of the International Forum of the International Crimean Platform Expert Network, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reminded that the International Crimean Platform unites more than 60 countries and international organizations with one strategic goal – the de-occupation of Crimea. She also noted that the Crimean Platform was initially launched as a political and diplomatic tool, but after Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, its tactical task was transformed.

“If earlier we set ourselves the goal of returning the topic of Crimea to the international agenda… today, among other things, it is to form an absolutely clear understanding among our partners that there can be no negotiations without Crimea, that there can be no peace in Ukraine without Crimea,” Dzhaparova said.

In this context, she noted that various proposals are being made to Ukraine: “let’s do it this way, let’s do it in different formats, different countries produce different documents.”

“But the Ukrainian position is absolutely clear: there is President Zelensky’s Formula for Peace, there is the Crimean Platform, where the President of Ukraine takes the lead and clearly sends one signal: Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine, and there can be no negotiations or agreements without Crimea,” the First Deputy Minister emphasized.

As reported, the International Forum of the Crimean Platform Expert Network “Vision of the Future: Expert View” is taking place in Kyiv. The speakers and participants of the forum are leading experts from more than 20 countries.