By Alperen Aktas
ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday called on the international community to maintain and strengthen sanctions on Russia, stressing that there must be no easing or lifting of restrictions as long as Moscow’s war and occupation continue.
Speaking at the 5th Crimean Platform Summit, held for the first time on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy said Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 had paved the way for further aggression.
He warned that any normalization of Russia’s actions would encourage other powers to violate international law.
“This summit, with over 60 participants, demonstrates global unity against occupation. Russia broke one of the basic rules of normal life among nations by illegally annexing our Ukrainian Crimea. There must be no normalization of Russia’s war, and there must be no forgiveness for what Russia has done,” Zelenskyy said.
He thanked countries that continue to uphold sanctions, emphasizing the need for coordination with partners to prevent Crimea from being turned into a massive Russian military base.
Zelenskyy highlighted the plight of Crimean Tatars and other communities facing repression under Russian rule, noting that some prisoners have been detained since 2014. “Do not let war become part of the norm. Russia very much wants to make war the new normal, and this is exactly what we must resist,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader underscored Kyiv’s ongoing military pressure, including drone strikes and logistical disruptions, which he said are creating “serious difficulties” for Russia’s war machine. He reiterated that only Russia bears responsibility for the conflict and must be held accountable.