Zelensky: Return Crimea and peace will be restored

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky published a Telegram post marking the anniversary of a rally that took place at the Crimean parliament building in Simferopol in 2014, where pro-Ukrainian activists opposed Crimea separating from Ukraine.

“Russian aggression started with Crimea nine years ago. Once we return Crimea, we will restore peace. This is our land. Our people. Our history. We will return the Ukrainian flag to every corner of Ukraine. Qırım serbest olacaq [Crimean Tatar: Crimea will be free]!” he wrote.

On February 26, 2014, pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian groups clashed outside of the Crimean parliament building. The latter group was led by the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, the representative body of the indigenous people of Crimea. Around 30 people were injured in the clashes, and two were killed. Less than a month later, Russia annexed Crimea, and Russian authorities began persecuting Crimean Tatars.

A number of Ukrainian and Western military experts believe that Ukraine will succeed in liberating Crimea in 2023.