The IV Parliamentary Summit of the Crimean Platform begins in Stockholm
On 24 November, the IV parliamentary summit of the Crimean Platform began in Sweden. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, together with the Speaker of the Riksdag, Andreas Norlén, hosted the heads of national parliaments and representatives of interparliamentary organisations.
The summit served as a ground for detailed discussion of key Crimea-related topics. First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko also took part in discussions on the consequences of Russia's annexation of the peninsula, the policy of non-recognition, and ways to increase international pressure on the aggressor. In addition, participants discussed sanctions, human rights, security, and the economic and environmental consequences of the occupation.
During his working visit to Sweden, the First Deputy Speaker met with Roberts Zīe, Vice-President of the European Parliament. On behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people Oleksandr Korniienko expressed gratitude to the European Parliament for its consistent support and assistance. «We highly appreciate all the joint steps and decisions of the European Parliament that contribute to the establishment of a just peace, which is important not only for Ukraine but also for the whole of Europe,» he said. Prior to the Summit in Stockholm, a commemoration ceremony was held to honour the millions of innocent victims of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 and the artificial mass famines in Ukraine. «One of the most horrific aspects of this history is the lack of accountability. We are grateful to the parliaments of the world that have restored historical justice and recognised the Holodomor of 1932-1933 as an act of genocide,» emphasised the First deputy Speaker. The event took place at the Historical Museum with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Sweden. The event was attended by parliamentarians, representatives of civil society organisations, experts and the Ukrainian diaspora.
A rally in honor of the victims of the Holodomor and the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people was also held in Stockholm, organized by the non-governmental organization Nordic Ukraine Forum. During the event, speakers emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the victims of genocide, ensuring accountability for the crimes of the totalitarian regime, and recognizing parallels with russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. «The voices of the people can ensure a just decision — bringing all perpetrators to justice,» stated Oleksandr Korniienko.
All discussions throughout the IV Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform will focus on consolidating international support for Ukraine and strengthening a unified position on Crimea. It is expected that the Summit will conclude with the adoption of a joint final document, which will once again reaffirm the united stance of the international community: Crimea is Ukraine.
Background:
The Crimea Platform, launched in 2021 at the governmental level in Kyiv, brings together states, parliamentary and interparliamentary organizations, experts, and civil society to discuss and coordinate actions aimed at the peaceful return of Crimea to Ukraine.