Ankara condemns Russian annexation of Crimea on 11th anniversary
On the 11th anniversary of the disputed Crimean referendum, Türkiye denounced Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula, emphasizing its position that the annexation is a breach of international law.
- Middle East
- DPA
- Published Date: 03:46 | 16 March 2025
On the 11th anniversary of Crimea's disputed referendum on joining the Russian Federation, Türkiye has again condemned Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula, which it deems a violation of international law.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, "We reiterate that [Türkiye] does not recognize the de facto situation in Crimea, which constitutes a violation of international law, and that we support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."
In February 2014, Russian soldiers occupied Crimea, where Moscow's Black Sea Fleet was also based at the time.
Despite the lack of international recognition, a referendum held on March 16 saw the peninsula's majority Russian population vote in favour of joining Russia.
Crimea was officially incorporated into the Russian Federation on March 18, 2014.
The annexation of Crimea followed the pro-European Maidan Uprising, a wave of protests in Ukraine which led to the overthrow of the pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych.
Moscow's annexation of Crimea is seen as the first significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which significantly increased tensions between the two states.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, "We reiterate that [Türkiye] does not recognize the de facto situation in Crimea, which constitutes a violation of international law, and that we support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."
In February 2014, Russian soldiers occupied Crimea, where Moscow's Black Sea Fleet was also based at the time.
Despite the lack of international recognition, a referendum held on March 16 saw the peninsula's majority Russian population vote in favour of joining Russia.
Crimea was officially incorporated into the Russian Federation on March 18, 2014.
The annexation of Crimea followed the pro-European Maidan Uprising, a wave of protests in Ukraine which led to the overthrow of the pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych.
Moscow's annexation of Crimea is seen as the first significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which significantly increased tensions between the two states.
OTHER MİDDLE EAST NEWS