Turkey has reaffirmed its stance against the annexation of Crimea by Russia, emphasizing its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. This declaration comes on the twelfth anniversary of the controversial referendum that led to Crimea’s annexation.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “On the twelfth anniversary of the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by the Russian Federation following an illegal referendum, we reiterate that we do not recognize this situation, which contradicts international law.”
In its statement, Turkey also pledged to continue supporting Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The ministry added, “Our country, which firmly supports the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, will continue to closely monitor developments on the peninsula, particularly regarding the situation of the Crimean Tatars, and will keep this on the agenda.”
As of now, Russian officials have not commented on Turkey’s recent statement regarding the non-recognition of Crimea’s annexation.
The annexation process began in February 2014, when Russia initiated an operation to seize the Crimean Peninsula, employing unmarked military personnel known as “little green men.” Under the threat of force and in blatant disregard for Ukrainian law, the occupiers conducted an illegal referendum, the results of which were widely deemed fraudulent.
On March 18, 2014, the Kremlin officially announced the annexation of Crimea, incorporating it into the Russian Federation. This act was condemned by the international community, with the majority in the United Nations denouncing it as a serious violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Since then, Crimea has remained under temporary occupation, and Ukraine, along with its international partners, has consistently advocated for the return of the peninsula under Ukrainian control. Reports indicate that approximately 50,000 Crimean Tatars have been forced to leave Crimea due to the occupation, with many fleeing particularly after the Russian mobilization announcement in 2022.
Turkey has reiterated its non-recognition of Crimea's annexation by Russia, emphasizing support for Ukraine's sovereignty. This statement coincides with the twelfth anniversary of the controversial referendum that led to the annexation.