Ukraine is determined to regain Crimea from Russia, President Zelenskyy stressed at an online summit. He receives support from Chancellor Scholz: The international community will never accept the annexation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated his goal of regaining control of the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. "In order to overcome terror, it is necessary to win a victory in the fight against Russian aggression. It is necessary to liberate Crimea," Zelensky said at the opening of an international Crimea conference. This would restore law and order to the world.
With the Crimean Platform - an online summit - Ukraine wants to mobilize international support for the repatriation of the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea for the second time. A total of more than 50 participants from Europe, Asia, America and Africa have been announced.
Amid fears that Russia could step up its attacks to mark Ukraine's Independence Day on Wednesday, Zelenskyy announced a determined response. There will be a powerful answer, Zelenskyj told journalists. "I want to say that every day (...) this answer will increase, it will become stronger and stronger."
When asked how Ukraine would react to a possible Russian missile attack on Kyiv, Zelenskyy pointed out that all cities and regions should have equal rights. An attack on the capital will be reacted to in the same way as current attacks elsewhere. "For me as president and for every Ukrainian, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Donbass are all the same." Ukrainians lived everywhere there, said Zelenskyj, and also named the cities of Kharkiv and Zaporizhia, which were heavily contested recently.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz was also connected to the online conference from Canada. He pledged continued support to Ukraine in the war against Russia. "The international community will never accept Russia's illegal, imperialist annexation of Ukrainian territory," said the SPD politician. Ukraine's partners are united like never before. "I can assure you: Germany stands firmly on Ukraine's side as long as Ukraine needs our support."
Scholz also said that Germany and its partners would maintain the sanctions against Russia, provide financial help, supply weapons and also take part in reconstruction. "I am sure that Ukraine will overcome the dark shadow of war - because it is strong, courageous and united in its fight for independence and sovereignty," said the Chancellor. "And because she has friends in Europe and all over the world."
