Your Excellencies, Esteemed participants, Dear Ukrainians, The fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform overlaps with a sad and tragic commemoration - ten years since Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula. Today, as then, this act remains a breach of both international law, as well as of Russia`s legal and political obligations towards Ukraine. The fight Ukraine fights today against Russia’s aggression, did not start in 2022, but back in 2014. Then, Russia and its proxies insisted on several propagandistic narratives to justify the illegal annexation of Crimea. First, that somehow Crimea was not rightfully part of Ukraine. Second, that Ukraine was endangering the rights of the people living in Crimea, and Russia had to protect them. But we all know the actual facts. Crimea was, and remains, part of the rich Ukrainian culture and history. Its people have contributed to the Ukrainian society and economy and enjoyed political autonomy. Russia’s actions contradicted not only these historical and cultural realities, but its very own legal and political commitments as well. Let me recall that Russia recognized the territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea, on the backdrop of the Soviet Union`s dissolution. And it did so again in 1994, by signing the Budapest Memorandum. And again in 1997, when the two countries signed a bilateral treaty, ironically called the „friendship treaty”. Russia was never a friend of Ukraine. It only wanted to control Ukraine, and keep its economy and society underdeveloped, by denying the Ukrainian people their right to a European democratic and prosperous future. Russia openly backed corrupt and loyal politicians to achieve these goals. But the people of Ukraine wanted a different future for their country. When the people of Ukraine raised up for this European future during the Maidan and the Revolution of Dignity, Russia responded with force. After the occupation of Crimea, it engineered a conflict in Donbass. And in February 2022, it launched a full-scale invasion. A full-scale war of aggression that continues to inflict tragic suffering on innocent Ukrainian civilians. Mariupol. Bucha. Okhmatdyt. Poltava. Each and all of them: war crimes and crimes against humanity. Acts for which the perpetrators will be held accountable. And undisputable proof of Russia’s long-lasting designs to crush Ukraine. And it all started in 2014. It all started with Crimea. Equally important, Russia was never concerned with the livelihood of the people living in Crimea. Just look at the tragedies happening in Crimea since 2014. We are talking about political imprisonment, forced deportations, brainwashing of children. This is what “protection” means in Russia`s definition. What Russia has been doing, and continues to do in Crimea, is testimony to its intentions for the rest of Ukraine. What Russia has done in the temporary occupied territories is testament to its barbarity. What Russia is doing by targeting civilian infrastructure, hospitals and schools with its airstrikes is evidence of its cruelty. This is what is at stake in Ukraine: fight for freedom and liberty. And this is why Ukraine will prevail! Glory to Ukraine! Slava Ukraini! (Photo:https://crimea-platform.org/)
Chimcomplex, a producer and supplier of chemicals, has appointed Ștefan Vuza as Chief Executive Officer. The decision aims to “ensure direct coordination of the transformation process underway at Chimcomplex and to strengthen the company’s ability to navigate an economic context marked by strong pressure on competitiveness,” the company said. Chimcomplex, specializing in polyols, chlorosodium, and […]
FIRST, a new Romanian-developed digital real estate platform, launched on the local market with a technology-driven system that, the company says, is designed to help users make faster, more informed property decisions. Available as of this autumn, the platform uses updated data, advanced search filters, and lifestyle-based presentation tools to give buyers and renters clearer […]
Cargus, the first courier company on the Romanian market, is expanding its Ship & Go out-of-home delivery network through a new partnership with Carrefour, adding nearly 450 pick-up and drop-off points inside the retailer’s stores. More than 150 Carrefour hypermarkets, supermarkets, and Express locations will join the network by the end of this year, with […]
Romania’s national railway operator, CFR Călători, will introduce its new 2025–2026 timetable on December 14, adding direct Budapest–Bucharest services and restoring the Vienna Westbahnhof connection as part of a broader update to international and domestic rail operations. The new schedule, valid until December 12, 2026, includes more than 1,150 daily trains. ...
The average price per square meter requested by real estate developers and owners for residential units in Romania increased by 15% in 2025, with the highest rise seen in Craiova, according to a survey conducted by Imobiliare.ro, as reported by Profit.ro. ...
Authorities in Prahova County announced on Monday the full resumption of water supply in all 13 towns and communes that had been left without drinking water for more than a week due to problems at the Paltinu Dam, Bursa.ro reported. Residents, however, have been warned that the water is not yet safe for consumption...
