On 17–18 November 2025, Kyiv hosted the Third International Conference “Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South”, which brought together over 200 participants — experts, analysts, journalists, scholars, and opinion leaders from various countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, India, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, among others.

The conference was organized by Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea / Office of the Crimea Platform, ZMINA Human Rights Center, Human Rights Media Initiative.

This year’s partners included Ukrainian Institute, PEN Ukraine, Truth Hounds, Media Center “Ukraine,” Transatlantic Dialogue Center.

 

The event is organized with the support of: The Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU), the International Renaissance Foundation, the Prague Civil Society Centre, the Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund, administered by ISAR Ednannia, and UN Women.

 

The conference brought together academics, policymakers, ambassadors, and journalists from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Participants discussed their understanding of the security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine, the country’s struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and engaged in conversations on pathways toward a just peace, the restoration of justice, global food security, and developments in the Black Sea region. Particular attention was given to Crimea, as a symbol of resistance to Russian colonial practices and a key factor in regional food and energy security.

Within the framework of “Crimea Global”, seven panel discussions were held, along with field trips for conference delegates to Ukrainian cities, the commemorative art event “Memoria Orbis: Memory Sustains the World”, and a working meeting between journalists from Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt and Ukrainian human rights defenders.

On 15–16 November, a delegation of conference participants visited two cities — Lviv and Kharkiv — to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of life in Ukraine during the full-scale war. In Lviv, the delegation met with the city authorities to discuss infrastructure resilience and veteran support. The guests paid tribute to the fallen soldiers at Lychakiv Cemetery, visited the UNBROKEN rehabilitation center, which provides prosthetics for veterans and war-affected civilians, and explored the city’s cultural heritage during a guided tour.

In Kharkiv, the international experts visited the Regional Military Administration, where they were briefed on the security situation and the region’s recovery efforts. The delegation inspected areas of the city destroyed by Russian strikes, visited an underground school, and observed an example of innovative child protection. At the end of the visit, the participants honored the memory of Ukrainian children killed as a result of Russian aggression.

On the eve of the official opening of the conference, the Office of the Representation / Crimea Platform hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Ukraine’s Resilience in War: Challenges, Responses, and International Support.” The event aimed to demonstrate Ukraine’s resilience in countering Russian aggression and to outline the role of international support. On the same day, the international guests of “Crimea Global” met with representatives of the Ukrainian Government, Parliament, the Office of the President, and

 

the Office of the Prosecutor General to discuss a range of issues related to the de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea.

Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Olha Kuryshko, delivered opening remarks and officially launched the conference, emphasizing its importance as a platform that has become part of an honest dialogue and sustained cooperation between Ukraine and the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America

— one that goes beyond political statements alone.

“The world must not get used to war as something normal. Any attempt to legitimize the occupation is unacceptable and dangerous for the entire international order. We continue to emphasize that Crimea is Ukraine, and the struggle for its de-occupation is part of the global struggle for justice and the right of every nation to be free,” Olha Kuryshko stressed.

The opening session also featured remarks by Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Iryna Mudra; journalist Dmytro Khyliuk; First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Sergiy Kyslytsya; and Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov.

The first day of the “Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South” conference opened with the panel discussion “Ukraine and the Global World. Successful Practices and How to Multiply Them.”

Its speakers included First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko; Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Maryana Betza; Deputy Director of the Ukrainian Institute Alim Aliev; Ambassador of Ukraine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Vasyl Hamianin; Board Member and Chief Digital Transformation Officer of Campus Galyna Pustova; Deputy Minister for Economy, Environment and Agriculture Taras Vysotskyi; and CNN Portugal commentator Uriã Fancelly. The discussion was moderated by journalist and presenter of Suspilne, Olena Removska.

Oleksandr Korniienko expressed gratitude to the international guests who arrived in Ukraine despite ongoing missile strikes and power outages, underscoring the importance of discussing a strategy for the liberation of Crimea. He also noted that comparisons between the war in Ukraine and conflicts in Africa are inappropriate, yet highlighted the importance for Ukraine of emphasizing the anti-colonial nature of Russia’s war — a dimension that brings Ukraine closer to the experiences of African and Latin American nations.

"The war began with Crimea and must end with Crimea’s return under Ukrainian control. We are working to ensure that, in the parliamentary dimension, Ukraine does not limit its engagement to EU countries alone but communicates the truth more broadly. An important component for us is cooperation with the Muslim world, as we understand that the cultural consequences of Russia’s occupation of Crimea affect the entire global community,” Korniyenko stressed.

Speakers also addressed the global nature of Russian aggression and the threat it poses to international law and the global security system; the strengthening of Ukraine’s cooperation with countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and the opening of new embassies on the continent. They emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in building long-term partnerships, examined the methods and scale of Kremlin propaganda in Africa, and highlighted the need for an individualized approach to each state. Experts outlined Ukraine’s experience in digital transformation and its value for other countries, the challenges of global food security, and the importance of Ukrainian humanitarian initiatives amid the loss of part of its agricultural potential due to occupation.

 

The second panel discussion, “The ‘Black Mirror’ Series We Live In,” brought together the head of the Antonivka Local District Serhii Ivashchenko; First Deputy Head of the Kherson City Military Administration Mykhailo Lynetskyy; Truth Hounds researcher Vitalii Poberezhnyi; and ACLED Senior Analyst on the Asia–Pacific Region Su Mon Thant. The session was moderated by Hanna Shelest, Director of Security Programmes at the Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism.”

Speakers discussed Russia’s large-scale use of advanced technologies — primarily drones

— to conduct systematic attacks against civilians; the situation in frontline and temporarily occupied territories, where Russian forces apply deliberate terror; as well as technological surveillance and the intentional nature of strikes on civilians, as documented by human rights researchers. Experts also highlighted the broader global context of drone use in conflicts, including in Southeast Asia and Myanmar. Additionally, the discussion touched upon shared challenges faced by Ukraine and Syria as both seek to rebuild their states and societies after devastating wars.

“Every Russian soldier, every drone operator who knowingly participates in attacks against civilians is a war criminal. And for many years we will continue appealing to the international community so that everyone who deliberately directs their weapon of death at police officers, paramedics, utility workers or gatherings of elderly people at humanitarian aid distribution points faces fair and unavoidable punishment,” said Mykhailo Lynetskyy.

The third panel discussion, “Journalists and the War of the XXI Century,” concluded the first day of the conference.

Its speakers included Ukrainian Reuters journalist Ivan Liubysh-Kirdei; CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NO PASA NADA Pietro Cercone; investigative journalist for Premium Times Beloved John; Reporters Without Borders correspondent Aziza Nofal; The Daily Beast correspondent Philip Obaji; and former Crimean political prisoner and Radio Liberty journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko. The discussion was moderated by Tetiana Pechonchyk, Head of the Human Rights Centre ZMINA.

Speakers examined the key challenges journalism faces during wartime, including the need to document war crimes and counter Russian propaganda; the problem of the Global South’s reliance on Western media and the resulting lack of attention to the real consequences of the war for civilians; and the growing dangers for journalists, especially women, who increasingly face gender-based attacks and online violence. They emphasized the need for new formats of communication to effectively counter Russia’s propaganda influence; the systemic persecution of journalists worldwide and the rise of targeted attacks on media; as well as repressive practices in occupied Crimea, including torture, unlawful imprisonment, and persecution of those who maintain a pro-Ukrainian stance.

On 17 November, a commemorative art evening was held on the sidelines of the “Crimea Global” conference — “Memoria Orbis: Memory Holds the World”, dedicated to Ukrainian artists killed by Russia.

The central message of the event was that while memory cannot overcome loss, it prevents the world from falling apart.

Guests were introduced to brief stories of four artists — Veronika Kozhushko, Yaroslav Levytskyi, David Chichkan, and Illia Chernilevskyi — presented through their works and the recollections of family and friends. Each story highlighted the values they embodied and which continue to shape our shared cultural landscape. A visual mosaic composed of their names symbolized the idea that every life remains part of collective memory.

 

The second day of “Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South” opened with the fourth panel discussion, “Mercenaries or Human Trafficking Victims? Engagement of Foreign Fighters in the Russian Army.”

The panel featured Brigadier General Dmytro Usov, Secretary of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War; Dr Pramod Jaiswal, Director of Research at the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement; Wellington Nyongesa, journalist at Standard Group PLC; Munira Mustaffa, Senior Research Associate at Verve Research; and columnist, author, and analyst on South Asian politics, conflict, and international relations Luv Puri. The discussion was moderated by Maria Tomak, researcher at Truth Hounds and Chair of the Media Initiative for Human Rights.

Speakers focused on how Russia recruits foreigners into its army through financial incentives, coercion, and fraudulent schemes. They noted that foreign fighters are often used as “human shields,” receive almost no training, and are routinely misled about the conditions of service. Experts stressed that recruitment is growing in scale and that many individuals effectively become victims of human trafficking. The discussion underscored the need for international cooperation to protect people from these practices and counter Russia’s expansion.

The fifth panel discussion, “Girl Power. Women Against Violence and Oppression Worldwide,” brought together feminist writer and human rights consultant Ana Vásquez Colmenares (Aúna); Anny Modi, Co-Lead of the “Women, Peace and Security” pillar of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN); human rights lawyer and expert Tamara Sujú Roa; human rights defender and lawyer Leila Seiitbek; and Crimean Tatar activist and former political prisoner Leniie Umerova.

The panel was moderated by journalist, columnist, and Executive Producer at “Radio Culture” Iryna Slavinska.

Speakers focused on how women around the world resist violence, repression, and political pressure — from Iran and Kyrgyzstan to the DRC and Russian-occupied Crimea. Participants shared stories of abductions, imprisonment, persecution, and forced recruitment carried out by Russia and other authoritarian regimes, as well as examples of women supporting one another and building solidarity networks. The panel underscored that violence against women is used as a tool of control aimed at intimidating societies and breaking resistance. Speakers highlighted the strength of women’s communities and the leadership of Ukrainian women, which has become especially visible in humanitarian initiatives and the documentation of war crimes.

“The courage of Ukrainian women is not abstract. It is organized, practical, and collective — and the world must know this. And not only about the tragedy; the world must recognize the exceptional leadership of Ukrainian women,” emphasised Ana Vásquez Colmenares.

The sixth panel discussion, “Are We Getting Rid of Colonial Perceptions? Case of Crimea and Other Former ‘Imperial Treasures’,” featured feminist writer and human rights consultant Ana Vásquez Colmenares; Dr Tenzin (Tendor) Dorjee, Senior Researcher at the Tibet Action Institute and lecturer at Columbia University; Dr Martin-Oleksandr Kyslyi, Executive Director of the RUTA Association; Dr Hlonipha Mokoena, Associate Professor and researcher at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of the Witwatersrand; and human rights defender and lawyer Leila Seiitbek.

The panel was moderated by Anabell Sotelo Ramíres, Head of Department for Asia, Africa and Latin America at the Ukrainian Institute.

 

This panel examined how imperial myths continue to shape perceptions of Crimea and other colonized regions — from the romanticized image of “the pearl of the Russian Empire” to the erasure of real histories. Speakers stressed the need for decolonization: restoring languages and cultures, reclaiming historical memory, and dismantling Russia’s imposed narratives that have also affected Central Asia, Tibet, and African countries. They noted that colonial language policies still deprive nations of their own voice and agency. Participants emphasized that building a new, non-colonial vision of Crimea and the world is the responsibility of contemporary societies, which must create narratives grounded in truth rather than in Russia’s imperial ideology.

“In Ukraine, I saw how empire also attacks places of beauty — cultural sites in Crimea and across the country. It is essential to protect this beauty, which colonisers and empires attempt to destroy, silence, rename, and appropriate,” concluded Ana Vásquez Colmenares.

The conference concluded with the seventh panel discussion, “Can Latin America Contribute to Justice in Ukraine?”.

The panel featured Dr Felipe Alamino, postdoctoral researcher and co-founder of the Research Group on the International Protection of Minorities at the University of São Paulo and author of “The Annexation of Crimea: The Concept of Aggression in International Law”; journalist and political commentator Uriã Fancellii; Director of the Department of International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dr Anton Korynevych; writer and independent Argentinian journalist Ignacio Montes de Oca; and Dr Hugo Rojas, Professor of Sociology of Law, Transitional Justice, and Political Sociology at Alberto Hurtado University.

The discussion was moderated by Christopher D. Russell, Board Member of the Media Initiative for Human Rights and Rule of Law Officer at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

The speakers emphasized the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression's global nature and stressed that it is open to participation by states from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. They also drew attention to the region’s experience in documenting human rights violations, to the challenges posed by Russian propaganda in Brazil, and to the need for active counteraction to disinformation — including Russian, Chinese, and Iranian narratives. The experts highlighted that Latin America can make a meaningful contribution in both the legal and information spheres by supporting the fight for the truth about the war.

The Third International Conference “Crimea Global: Understanding Ukraine through the South” concluded with a closing ceremony, during which participants received special certificates.

We extend our gratitude to all participants in the Third International Conference Crimea Global: Understanding Ukraine through the South for their engagement and interest in Crimea and the protection of human rights. We are grateful to the speakers and moderators for their substantive discussions and to our partners for their trust and steadfast support. Furthermore, we also express special appreciation to the media, diplomatic, and human rights communities for their participation and willingness to share expertise, which strengthened international solidarity with Ukraine.