The last major pro-Ukrainian demonstration took place in Crimea eight years ago, shortly before Russia annexed the peninsula. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy uses this date to once again emphasize Kiev's determination: Crimea should be recaptured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his country's claim to the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. "This is our country. These are our people. This is our story," said the 45-year-old, according to a statement. With the repatriation of Crimea, peace will return to Ukraine. "We will return the Ukrainian flag to every corner of Ukraine."
February 26 was declared by Zelenskyy 2020 as the day of resistance against the Russian occupation of Crimea. In 2014, before the Russian annexation, the last major pro-Ukrainian demonstration took place in front of the regional parliament on this day, and several people lost their lives. The incorporation of the peninsula by Russia took place on March 18, 2014.
For a little over a year, Ukraine has also been fighting the invasion of Russian troops in the east and south of the country. Kiev has declared a goal of recapturing all areas controlled by Moscow since 2014.
Meanwhile, the US government has made it clear once again that it will never recognize Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea. "Nine years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and occupied Crimea in clear violation of international law and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said US State Department spokesman Ned Price. It does not recognize Russia's annexation of the peninsula and will never do so. "Crimea is part of Ukraine," Price said.
The deputy head of the Ukrainian military intelligence service, Vadym Skibitsky, recently emphasized that Ukraine's goal is the liberation of its entire territory - including Crimea. "We won't stop until we have our country back to the 1991 borders. That is our message to Russia and to the international community."
