Crimea's annexation anniversary: Türkiye reiterates non-recognition of Russia's move

"On the twelfth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea by Russia following an illegal referendum, we once again reaffirm that we do not recognize this de facto situation, which contradicts international law," Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Diplomatic agency also emphasized that Türkiye will continue to support the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

"Our country, which firmly supports independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, will continue to closely monitor developments on the peninsula, particularly the situation of Crimean Tatar Turks, and will keep this issue on the agenda," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Russia has not yet commented on the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye regarding the non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea.

Occupation of Crimea

In February 2014, Russia launched an operation to seize the Crimean peninsula, using its so-called little green men (soldiers without insignia).

At gunpoint and under conditions of complete disregard for Ukrainian legislation, Russians organized an illegal referendum, the results of which were falsified.

Already on March 18, 2014, the Kremlin officially announced the annexation of Crimea and its incorporation into Russia.

The international community, by an overwhelming majority of votes in the United Nations, condemned these actions as a gross violation of international law and the sovereignty of Ukraine.

Since then, the peninsula has remained under temporary occupation, and Ukraine and its international partners consistently advocate the return of Crimea under the control of Kyiv.

Due to the occupation of the peninsula, about 50 thousand Crimean Tatars were forced to leave Crimea. People left particularly actively after the Russian forces announced mobilization into the Russian army in 2022.