In the Crimea platform, Ukraine tried to mobilize international support to return the peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country also has good relations with Russia, also said Crimea clearly belongs to Ukraine.
“The return of Crimea to Ukraine, an inseparable part of which is an essential need from the point of view of international law,” he declared through a video message at the second summit of the Crimean Platform.
Erdogan said Ankara would continue to support the Crimean Platform, which was created to resolve the peninsula issue peacefully. “Turkey’s principled position has not only legal but also moral bases,” he said.
The Turkish president added that the protection of territorial integrity, sovereignty and political unity of Ukraine is of key importance not only for regional but also global security and stability.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of the Crimean Tatars is also among Turkey’s priorities,” said the 68-year-old.
Erdogan also reiterated that he expects the release of Nariman Dzhelyal, the deputy speaker of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, and at least 45 other Crimean Tatars arrested by Russia in 2021. He also noted that Turkey will continue its mediating role. between Russia and Ukraine to ensure peace in the region.
