Slovakia will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea, said Prime Minister Heger in Kiev – Topka

“More than seven years ago, Russia violated international law and illegally annexed part of Ukraine’s territory. Time will not relieve Russia of responsibility for its actions or the international community’s need to pay attention to Ukraine.” said Heger. “Crimea is Ukraine … We will never recognize border changes by force. We will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea, and we fully support Ukraine in its diplomatic efforts to restore sovereignty and territorial integrity.” said the Slovak prime minister.

Heger added that sanctions against Russia would remain as long as the occupation of Crimea lasted. At the beginning of the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promised to do everything in his power to regain Crimea, which was annexed by Russia seven years ago. “We will use all possible political, legal and, above all, diplomatic means to do so,” He said, according to the AP agency, that Kiev needed “effective support at the international level.”

The inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform is held in the Ukrainian capital on Monday, the main goal of which is to achieve the return of Crimea under the sovereignty of Kiev. It is attended by high representatives from 46 countries and international organizations. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, also arrived in Kiev.

Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Moldova, Georgia, Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden and Finland are represented at the level of Heads of State and Prime Ministers. Representatives of NATO, the Council of Europe and GUAM, as well as Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President of the European Commission, are also present. Russia is not participating in the summit. According to the AP, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Monday’s summit a “anti-Russian event”.

Following the talks, the leaders are expected to sign a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity and setting out a framework for international policy towards Crimea.

The summit is taking place at a time when Ukraine is commemorating the 30th anniversary of its independence. Russia occupied the territory of the Crimean Peninsula in February 2014 and in March annexed it to its territory after a controversial referendum, which was not recognized by Ukraine or the West.