Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on sixth anniversary of illegal annexation of Crimea

March 16, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Today marks six years since Russia illegally annexed Crimea. Canada unequivocally condemns this violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and of international law.

“For six years, the international community has witnessed grave human rights violations in Crimea committed by state agents of Russia. These have included arbitrary arrests and detentions, disappearances, torture and the suppression of freedom of opinion, expression and association. The Crimean Tatars have been persecuted, and the Mejlis, their self-governing body, remains banned. Russia’s aggressive and illegal actions in Ukraine must stop.

“During my trip to Ukraine this month, I reiterated that Canada’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering.

“We are resolute in our commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine. In January, Canada, in coordination with the United States and European Union, announced new sanctions on six individuals involved in the illegitimate elections held in Russian-occupied Crimea in 2019. Together, Canada and the international community will continue to keep up the pressure to compel Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law.”