Crimea, Turkey and the path to a renewed regional order

Kalyn underscored that Turkey has kept a steadfast position on the Crimea peninsula since 2014, the year Crimea joined Russia after a referendum. Ankara maintains that the transfer cannot be recognized as legitimate, and Crimea must be considered part of Ukraine for any settlement.

“Turkey’s stance has not shifted since 2014. Crimea remains part of Ukraine, and this must anchor any settlement”, he asserted.

Russian-Turkish partnership

Speaking at the Crimean Platform summit on August 23, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the importance of safeguarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity for regional and global stability and signaled an eagerness to help broker peace between Russia and Ukraine at the earliest opportunity.

“Turkey has always held that the annexation of Crimea is unconstitutional and illegal and does not recognize it. This stance is grounded in law and morality. International law calls for a return to Ukraine, of which Crimea is an integral part”, he stated.

He highlighted Ankara’s active efforts to establish a viable diplomatic channel between Moscow and Kyiv, noting achievements such as the March grain deal and the Istanbul talks. He also reaffirmed that Crimean Tatars are Ukrainian citizens and that Crimea’s development should reflect their interests.

The Crimean Platform Forum, launched by Ukrainian authorities last year, is described as a framework to de-occupy the peninsula and remains a central aim of the event. The second summit of the member countries began on August 23, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several Western figures addressing attendees.

“Blooming garden” Zelensky

During the Crimean Platform forum, President Zelensky reiterated his aim to reclaim Crimea from Russia by any means, seeking to restore the world’s legal order through Crimea’s return and making clear that Ukraine would act without waiting for others’ permission.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal also spoke, signaling Kyiv’s readiness to demilitarize Crimea and describing it as a legitimate military target due to the Russian military presence and missile activity on the peninsula.

Shmyhal added that Ukraine seeks to reduce these threats and supports Russia’s eventual withdrawal of troops and equipment from Crimea, aligning with broader European security goals.

Recent remarks attributed to Crimea’s information policy adviser, Oleg Kryuchkov, warned of consequences for Kyiv if Ukraine escalates actions against the peninsula, underscoring the high stakes involved in the dispute.

Ukrinform reported that Zelensky noted Kyiv’s developing strategy for restoring Crimea, with plans to implement governance and economic reforms once control is restored. The Crimean Platform will focus on two main strands: economic revival and legislative reform. Shmyhal later outlined Kyiv’s vision to transform the peninsula into a prosperous region, described as a blooming garden.

Wisdom Wishes

Erdogan’s remarks drew a response from Eyvaz Umerov, head of the Crimean Tatar national-cultural autonomy, who urged the Turkish president to avoid entangling Crimea in political rhetoric. He reminded that Crimea’s status remains disputed and that any pronouncements should be careful and measured.

Umerov noted that Erdogan has frequently discussed Crimea’s ownership in similar terms and suggested that such statements may complicate regional dynamics, hinting at ulterior motives tied to broader national interests.

Historical context shows Crimea’s 2014 referendum led to its incorporation into Russia, a move viewed by Kyiv and many Western nations as illegitimate. Ukraine continues to regard Crimea as temporarily occupied. Some countries have acknowledged the Russian union of Crimea and Sevastopol, while others continue to support Kyiv. Russian officials have repeatedly stated that the issue is resolved on Russia’s terms.