Türkiye reaffirms support for Ukraine on 10th anniversary of Crimea’s ‘illegal annexation’

Türkiye commemorated the 10th anniversary of the disputed referendum held by Russia on March 16, emphasizing that the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula was a breach of international law.

“We do not recognize this de facto situation that violates international law, and we reiterate our support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” the Foreign Ministry said.

In a written statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, it was emphasized that “10 years have passed since the illegitimate annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea of Ukraine by the Russian Federation through an illegitimate referendum held on March 16, 2014.”

“The plight of the Crimean Tatar Turks, who constitute the majority of Crimea’s population, remains a paramount concern for our country,” the ministry declared.

Türkiye underscored its commitment to closely monitoring developments in “Crimean Tatars’ ancestral homeland of Crimea, safeguarding their cultural heritage and ensuring their security and well-being.”

UN Resolution denounces Russia’s annexation of Crimea

Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, issued a statement condemning the illegal referendum in Crimea 10 years ago.

He emphasized that the referendum, organized under Russian coercion, triggered a series of violent events culminating in Crimea’s illegal annexation by Russia.

“Today, we stand united with Ukraine and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” Cools stated. 

The international community has widely condemned as illegal the Russian annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014, including Türkiye and the United Nations General Assembly.

Some 141 countries voted in favor of a U.N. General Assembly resolution “deploring” Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and demanding the immediate and complete withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territories. Other 45 countries including China, India and Iran abstained or declined to vote.

Russia maintains control over Crimea despite diplomatic efforts and sanctions with tensions persisting between Russia, Ukraine and Western countries.