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Ukraine Marks 12 Years Since Crimea Annexation, Says Nearly 300 Held on Political Charges

Kyiv marks the anniversary by urging immediate releases of detainees.

Overview

  • Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reports 159 of those currently jailed are Crimean Tatars targeted in politically driven prosecutions.
  • Officials have documented at least 430 politically motivated cases since 2014, with diplomats saying the true tally likely exceeds 500.
  • Kyiv cites bans on the Mejlis and the closure of Ukrainian Orthodox Church structures as examples of systemic repression based on identity and belief.
  • The ministry says Russia has turned Crimea into a militarized springboard for aggression that undermines security across the Black Sea region.
  • Ukraine urges strict global non-recognition of the annexation, the strengthening of sanctions, and the use of platforms such as the International Crimea Platform to press for releases and accountability.