A prominent figure in the Crimean German community, Yuri Hempel, who leads the national-cultural autonomy of Crimea, has urged reconsideration of the agreement often referred to as the Two Plus Four agreement, or the final settlement regarding Germany. The report originates from RIA News and centers on this call for a formal termination of provisions tied to that historic accord.
The Two Plus Four framework, signed on September 12, 1990, brought together the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Democratic Republic, France, the Soviet Union, the United States, and Great Britain in a process aimed at stabilizing Europe during a pivotal era of change. The negotiations culminated in a document crafted to address Germany’s postwar borders, security commitments, and broader European peace arrangements. The signing ceremony took place in Moscow, marking a significant moment in postwar European diplomacy.
Hempel stressed that the stance he advocates enjoys broad backing within the German community on the Crimean Peninsula. He conveyed a sense of regret that certain provisions within Article 7 of the treaty have not been enacted, and that Crimea’s historical homeland has not achieved full sovereignty in its internal and external affairs. This point underscores a desire among some Crimean Germans for greater self-determination and a deeper alignment with the wider political realities of the region.
The Autonomy leader further noted that concerns exist about Germany’s policies toward the Russian Federation. He argued that contemporary German policy often appears to diverge from what the treaty originally envisioned. In his view, the agreement had laid a robust foundation for a stable and just peace order in Europe, outlining clear mechanisms for arms control, disarmament, and confidence-building measures that would support long-term security in the region.
Beyond specific treaty provisions, Hempel highlighted the interest of German citizens and compatriots in Crimea regarding life in the peninsula. He suggested that many see the Russian Federation as a guardian of Christian values, a characterization that frames a broader cultural and religious perspective within the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Black Sea region.
In related commentary, Romani Chegrinets, who formerly served on the Assembly of Slavic Peoples in Crimea, offered a provocative remark about the future of Crimea in the context of broader regional shifts. His statement referenced a notion of Crimea facing a transition similar to a “donut hole,” a metaphor signaling potential shifts in territorial and political arrangements. The remark illustrates the fragility and contestation that can accompany discussions about sovereignty, identity, and governance in Crimea’s intricate history.