If Ukraine abandons Crimea, it will face defeat, according to Nariman Dzhelal.
If Ukraine relinquishes its Crimean Peninsula, it will lose in its confrontation with the Russian Federation.
This belief was expressed in an interview with the project “Karpyak on Suspilne” by the Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Nariman Dzhelal.
According to him, the aggressor country understands very well how crucial Crimea is for the integrity, security, and freedom of the Ukrainian state.
He also added that without Crimea, “Ukraine will not be restored and complete.”
Furthermore, the former Kremlin prisoner emphasized that there are still people in temporarily occupied Crimea who consider themselves Ukrainian citizens, who maintain loyalty and fidelity to Ukraine, and who are under pressure, repression, and threats from the Russian Federation.
Dzhelal also stressed that stability in Europe is linked to Ukraine's territorial integrity, and most partners in Europe understand this.
“We must understand that giving Crimea to Russia will not resolve the issue. As proposed by China or suggested by Brazil... I constantly, while traveling through European countries or the United States, provided a simple example. As of 2022, it has been eight years since Crimea has been effectively under Russian control. Did Russia settle for this situation? No. It attacked all of Ukraine and began a full-scale invasion... And we see that leading European leaders understand this and openly discuss it. Against the backdrop of what [U.S. President Donald] Trump claims, Europe today, albeit late, is stating that ‘no, we cannot leave the situation as it is; we must help Ukraine restore its territorial integrity...’” said Dzhelal.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, former Kremlin prisoner Nariman Dzhelal, will become the new ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey.
Previously, ZMINA reported on the results of a study regarding Ukrainian society's attitude towards the de-occupation of the Crimean Peninsula.
We remind you that Ukraine calls on the international community to unite to restore global security in accordance with the UN Charter and to tighten sanctions against Russia to ensure compliance with international law. Following Russia's first invasion in 2014, Ukraine aims to liberate its territories within the internationally recognized borders of 1991, while also developing comprehensive strategies and reintegration policies for all liberated territories.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the liberation of the peninsula by military means is currently “impossible due to a lack of forces.” The highest military-political leadership has stated that the de-occupation of the Crimean Peninsula will occur through diplomatic means.
Earlier, during the third summit of the Crimean Platform, the President of Ukraine stated that Russia has isolated Crimea and that only Ukraine can bring modernity back to the peninsula.
He noted that the post-war transformation of Ukraine will provide Crimea with such economic changes that will allow it to operate and be economically attractive all year round, not just during the season. Ukraine has already developed a Recovery Strategy for Crimea after its de-occupation.
Recently, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrill Budanov in an interview with journalist Einulli Fatullaev expressed the opinion that a ceasefire regime could be achieved by the end of 2025.
“This is a paradoxical situation: despite the fact that the starting positions of the parties are diametrically opposed, as much as possible. At the same time, I believe that this year we will reach a ceasefire regime. How long and how effective it will be is another question. But I think it will happen. The majority of the components are in place,” said the head of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
We remind you that on January 21, 2025, the Coalition of human rights organizations addressing the rights of those affected by armed aggression against Ukraine announced 13 priority steps for the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers in the field of human rights protection during armed aggression against Ukraine for 2025.
The human rights community in Ukraine has called on the authorities, in particular, to build a support system for connections with their citizens in occupation, which the aggressor country systematically attempts to sever. Among other recommendations in the document, there is also a point about implementing support programs for children and youth to assist their adaptation and integration after leaving the occupation, particularly for pursuing education.
Additionally, the coalition published a roadmap of bills concerning affected populations ahead of the 13th session of the Verkhovna Rada, aimed at consolidating efforts, forming a coherent legislative policy, and ensuring effective assistance.
Based on the analysis of the bills presented in the roadmap, human rights defenders consider it important to draw the attention of the members of the Ukrainian Parliament to specific issues arising during the preparation and consideration of legislative initiatives on this topic.