Duda Explains Why "Swallowing" Occupation of Crimea Dangerous for the Whole World
Polish President Andrzej Duda, in his speech at the Crimea Platform summit, underlined that the outcome of Russia's war against Ukraine, including whether it can "consolidate" Crimea, determines the preservation of the entire global order.
Andrzej Duda noted that the events of 2014 were already a clear signal for Warsaw about Kremlin's real intentions regarding all of Ukraine. Therefore, Poland has been steadfast in supporting Ukraine from the beginning.
"Nobody should have illusions that the occupation of Crimea is a regional issue. It's a problem of a global level. If we don't solve it together, we will de facto begin to accept a new security architecture in the world, a new world order based on the 'law of force' – an order imposed by Russia.
The de-occupation of Crimea and the full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity are necessary prerequisites not only for security in the Black Sea-Azov basin but also for the stability of the global security architecture. We cannot allow Putin to achieve his goals concerning Ukraine," emphasised the President of Poland.
He stressed that Moscow must leave all occupied territories and face the consequences of its actions.
"There should be no concessions from Russia... Let's not forget the real stakes in this war. It's about preserving the world order based on international law, respect for territorial integrity, and the right of nations to determine their future. At stake are all the cornerstones of a free world," said Andrzej Duda.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, in his speech, emphasised that Russian aggression against Ukraine started with Crimea and apparently Crimea will be the place where it will finally be put to an end.
The third Crimea Platform summit is taking place in Kyiv on August 23. Among the top guests who personally came to Ukraine are Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.