Crimean summit in Kiev: “Will never accept annexation”

At a conference on the future of the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia, representatives from around 50 countries condemned Moscow’s actions again. Ukraine asked for support. The Kremlin sharply criticized the meeting.

The Crimea was and will remain Ukrainian, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj at the beginning of the conference. Everything will be done to free the peninsula from the Russian occupation – and Zelensky said: “We are aware that Ukraine alone can never bring Crimea back. We need effective and different support at international level in order to to be able to tackle the question of the de-occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula. ”

The annexation of Crimea should not disappear from the international political agenda for seven years, demanded President Zelenskyi. Continuous political, legal and diplomatic work must be done to persuade Russia to return the peninsula.

Therefore, today we propose to concentrate on very practical, specific issues: tightening sanctions, protecting human rights, combating the environmental and economic consequences of the occupation and ensuring free navigation in the Black and Azov Seas.

Declaration condemns annexation of Crimea

In order to coordinate the international efforts, a central office of the Crimean Platform was opened in Kiev. There should also be branches in other European countries. The agreements and demands made on Russia were recorded in a joint declaration in which the annexation of Crimea was once again clearly condemned.

An unfriendly act from the point of view of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “We will not accept such statements with a view to a Russian region, with a view to the Crimea. We clearly see the whole thing as an anti-Russian event.”

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had spoken of a witch’s sabbath in advance. There was also criticism of the German participation.

Altmaier held talks in Kiev

The Federal Government was represented in Kiev by Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier. He also took the opportunity to meet with his counterparts from Ukraine and the USA. The main issue was the controversial Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline, which Ukraine considers a security risk.

Concerns that are taken seriously by the federal government. Chancellor Angela Merkel had previously announced during her visit to Kiev that Germany would continue to advocate an extension of the gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

Cooperation in green technologies planned

In addition, financial aid is planned – as well as cooperation in the field of green technologies and renewable energies. For example, the export of “green hydrogen” is conceivable, emphasized Altmaier: “That would help us to decarbonise our industry. And it could become a reliable source of income for the Ukrainian economy.”

The Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz and RWE had previously agreed to work together in this area.