During an online meeting held on the seventh anniversary of the Russian annexation of Crimea, the deputy chief of Polish diplomacy expressed his support for the Ukrainian people, and the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Deputy Minister Przydacz emphasised that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, now in its seventh year, remains one of the greatest challenges to security and stability in Europe. In his statement, the deputy head of Polish diplomacy also raised the increasing militarization of the peninsula, which has resulted in heightened tensions in the region. He mentioned the deteriorating human rights environment, including the repressive policies against the Tatar minority and the Ukrainian community, mass violations of fundamental rights, and attempts at suppressing independent media.
 
Deputy Minister Przydacz furthermore called for taking action to ensure unlimited access to Crimea for UN envoys and special OSCE missions which monitor the observance of human rights. The MFA deputy head finally stressed that non-recognition of the Russian annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol is a legal requirement under international law, not a matter of political decision. 
 
The participation of a senior MFA leadership representative in the meeting is part of Poland’s efforts to keep the international community within the UN engaged on the eastern Ukraine conflict and the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation. 
 
Organised by Estonia, currently sitting on the UN Security Council, with the support of twenty countries, including Poland, the meeting was chaired by Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets.
 
MFA Press Office

Fot. Tymon Markowski / MFA