On the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea, President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that it was the illegal seizure of the peninsula that marked the beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA.
Zelensky said the following in a statement on Telegram: "Today is the day of courage and honesty of all those who did not close their eyes to the Russian occupation of our Crimea. In these days, 11 years ago, Russian aggression against Ukraine began with the illegal, vile seizure of Crimea. But the day of February 26 showed that there will be resistance - resistance from Crimea, resistance from all of Ukraine. This day showed that there are and will be people who will not put up with lies and will not betray their homes."
The Ukrainian president noted that the years since the occupation of Crimea have brought a lot of grief and cynicism.
"However, we managed to return the issue of the liberation of Crimea to the world agenda. We founded the Crimean Platform. We do not allow Russia to "normalize" the occupation. We are freeing Crimean prisoners from captivity. We continue to fight for the right to a normal life and for guarantees of security and sustainable peace for all of Ukraine," Zelensky said.
He emphasized that the territorial integrity, sovereignty and security of Ukraine are not and will not be subject to any compromises.
"The Day of Resistance in our Crimea is a day of respect for honesty, for Ukraine. And I am grateful to everyone who supports us!", said Zelensky.