11 years since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea: UK statement to the OSCE
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-27)

Ambassador Holland comments on the eleventh anniversary of Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine, a violation of international law, and the campaign of systematic human rights violations and abuse against its people that followed.

Thank you, Mr Chair. This month marks 11 years since Russia illegally annexed Crimea —a violation of international law.

Yesterday marked the Day of Resistance, commemorating the courage and resilience of Ukrainians who continue to stand against Russian occupation of Crimea. On that day in 2014, thousands of Ukrainians gathered peacefully in Simferopol, defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity and their democratic rights.

Since 2014, the situation in Crimea has deteriorated significantly. Russia’s occupation has been characterised by systematic human rights abuses and a campaign to suppress dissent, erase Ukrainian cultural identity, and silence those who speak out.

The UN reports that the Crimean Tatar community continues to face serious persecution, including arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and the closure of media outlets. It concludes that their cultural and political rights have been violated.

OHCHR reports that at least 219 Ukrainians from Crimea, including 133 Crimean Tatars, have been arbitrarily detained in Russia since Russia’s annexation of Crimea. At least 40 of these are being denied the urgent medical care they need — among them, human rights defenders Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Enver Ametov.

Religious freedoms are also under attack. Communities that refuse to conform to the Russian Orthodox Church, including Ukrainian Orthodox believers, Muslims, and Jehovah’s Witnesses face harassment, surveillance, and unjustified legal action. These actions violate fundamental human rights, including the freedom of religion and belief, which are enshrined in international law.

And since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s repressive measures in Crimea have become the blueprint for the restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms in the newly occupied territories.

Russia’s attempts to legitimise its occupation of sovereign Ukrainian territory through sham referenda and forced passportisation are equally concerning. These actions attempt to manipulate the demographic and political landscape of Ukraine, further isolating the occupied regions from Ukraine and the international community. The UK rejects these measures as unlawful.

We call for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained by Russia in Ukraine, including the three members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission—Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov—who have been unjustly held since 2022 for performing their official duties. International human rights monitoring bodies be granted full and unrestricted access to Crimea. Justice must be served for victims of human rights abuses, including those forcibly disappeared or tortured.

The UK reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including Crimea. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, and we will continue to work with our international partners to hold the Russian authorities accountable.