Turkey urges Russia to return Crimea to Ukraine, terms its 2014 annexation 'illegitimate'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and does not support illegal annexation of Crimea. In his virtual dress at Crimea Platform Summit, Erdogan called for return of Crimea to Ukraine and ded that it is an "inseparable part" of country. He stressed that Turkey does not recognise annexation of Crimea and termed action "illegitimate and illegal." 

" return of Crimea to Ukraine, of which it is an inseparable part, is essentially a requirement under international law," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his virtual dress.

"Turkey does not recognise annexation of Crimea and that this step is illegitimate and illegal. This is a principled stance that has not only legal but also moral foundations," he ded. 

Erdogan termed protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and political unity "critical" for regional and global security and stability. He furr stated that ensuring security and well-being of Crimean-Tatar citizens remains among priorities of Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasised that Crimean Tatar citizens were closely monitoring situation in Crimea, according to statement released by Turkey's Directorate of Communications. He stressed that Crimean Tatars have experienced pain throughout history and ded that Turkey will continue to support Ukrainian government and Crimean Tatars. 

Erdogan reiterates support for territorial integrity of Ukraine 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his support for territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea. In his dress, Erdogan also called for a "swift return to peace" in region. He also recalled his visit to Lviv where he h showcased this stance. He stated that Turkey will continue to make efforts for facilitation and mediation for ensuring peace. He also expressed hope for release of Majlis of Crimean Tatar People, Narimal Celel and his friends who have been imprisoned after participating in Crimea Platform's first summit in Kyiv in 2021. 

"I want to reiterate our support for territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea, and our desire for a swift return to peace in our region," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Zelenskyy pledges to reclaim all parts of Ukraine 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged to reclaim all parts of country, including Crimea. He emphasised that Crimea was and will always remain part of Ukraine. In his dress at Second Crimea Online Summit, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is concerned about security of Crimea, according to statement released on Ukraine's Presidential website. He even quoted letter of Nariman Dzhelyal and said, "It began with Crimea, and it will end with Crimea." He furr said, "Crimea was and is Ukraine, and after deoccupation, along with our entire state, it will become part of European Union. I am sure of that. passport of a citizen of Ukraine will also be passport of European Union."

Image: AP