Refat Chubarov: My response to Member of the European Parliament Sandra Kalniete

Minister Sandra Kalniete,

Member of the European Parliament

Dear Sandra,

I am deeply touched by your appeal in support of the Crimean Tatar people and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

In the conditions of the Russian occupation of Crimea, which has been lasting already for seven years, the Crimean Tatar people remain loyal to their land and the Ukrainian state, adhere to the norms and principles of international law.

The Russian Federation, which has occupied Crimea, is intensifying daily the reprisals, oppression and persecution of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people, as well as ethnic Ukrainians living in Crimea.

You are absolutely right in noting that Putin is a diligent follower of Stalin. I would also like to point out that Putin’s treachery and cynicism helps him surpass another tyrant and criminal of the 20th century, Adolf Hitler.

For seven years since the Russian Federation invaded the territory of Ukraine and occupied Crimea, acting in violation of all norms of international law and its own international obligations, the world and humanity faced a real threat of destruction.

I very much hope that many heads of state, members of national parliaments and international organisations share our perception of ​​Putin and the new threat to peace posed by present-day Russia.

Like you, I believe that justice, truth and international law will be able to overcome evil.

There is no doubt that Ukraine’s state sovereignty over Crimea and the adjacent waters of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov will be restored, and the Russian Federation will bear full responsibility and punishment in accordance with international law for crimes it has committed in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, I express special gratitude to the Latvian people, Parliament, Government and the President of the Republic of Latvia for the constant support for the indigenous Crimean Tatar people in their pursuit of enforcement the right to self-determination in the form of national-territorial autonomy of Crimea as part of independent Ukraine.

Your sincerely,

Refat Chubarov,

Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People,

16 March 2021, city of Kyiv.