NEW YORK — Ukraine held the sixth summit of the International Crimea Platform in New York on September 23 during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, the event brought together representatives of more than 60 states. Panama and Trinidad and Tobago participated in the Crimea Platform summit for the first time, according to the Ukrainian presidency.
Crimea and international law
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the summit to restate Ukraine’s position that Crimea remains part of Ukraine and to call for continued international attention to the peninsula and Russia’s occupation.
Russia has controlled Crimea since 2014 after annexing the peninsula. Ukraine and most UN member states do not recognize the annexation.
Summit held during the UN General Assembly
The Ukrainian presidency said this was the second consecutive Crimea Platform summit held in New York during a UN General Assembly session.
Holding the meeting alongside the General Assembly gives Ukraine an opportunity to engage governments from regions beyond Europe and North America on Crimea, territorial integrity, Black Sea security and international law.
What is the Crimea Platform?
The International Crimea Platform is a diplomatic initiative launched by Ukraine to coordinate international policy concerning Crimea, the consequences of Russian control of the peninsula, regional security and the rights of people living in occupied territory.