Polish President Duda to Speak at Crimea Platform Summit, Emphasizing International Law
The Polish president will participate in the Crimea Platform summit this week, delivering remarks focused on the importance of international law as a framework for peaceful, predictable relations among nations. A senior Polish official confirmed that the participation is significant for reinforcing Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the global norm that Crimea is part of Ukraine. The event gathers leaders from several countries and international bodies, including Emmanuel Macron, the French president, and Antony Blinken, the United States secretary of state.
The president will join the summit remotely, marking his third appearance at the Crimea Platform since its creation by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky nearly three years ago. The platform was established to discuss Crimea and to remind the world of the ongoing issues in the region. In addition to the Polish head of state, other participants named by the Polish international policy office include Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader, will host the discussions on behalf of Ukraine.
During his address, the Polish president is expected to underscore how adherence to international law governs inter-state conduct and helps sustain global stability and peace. The official noted that Russia’s occupation of Crimea violates core principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, making it imperative to reaffirm that Crimea remains Ukrainian territory. The remarks will align with a broader message for all participating leaders to share this position.
The Polish information office stressed that the Crimea Platform goes beyond a regional dialogue. It touches on broader issues associated with international relations and the consequences of aggression, highlighting how the situation in Crimea affects neighboring states and the international system at large.
Addressing the Crimea question will also touch on the situation of Ukrainian citizens in the region and the status of Crimean Tatars, who have faced various pressures under occupation. The Polish official indicated that the president will reiterate the global nature of the Crimea issue, driven by violations of fundamental international norms and by ongoing occupation policies in the area.
When asked about Ukraine’s Independence Day, which occurs later in the week on August 24, the official noted that it is a moment to reaffirm strong, neighborly relations. The Polish leadership is in continuous contact with Ukrainian counterparts, and the Polish president’s administration continues to support constructive, steady ties with Kyiv. The Crimea Platform is described as a forum for state and international organization leaders to advocate for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The summit in Kyiv follows a previous gathering held last year with similar aims.
Additional coverage about related defense and security topics is available from national press outlets, with the Ukrainian leadership highlighting the strategic significance of allied cooperation. This ongoing dialogue reflects a broader commitment to regional stability and to the principles that guide international conduct in times of tension. Sources cited include official statements from the Polish government’s international policy office and contemporaneous reporting from national media outlets. [attribution: wPolityce]
Overall, the Crimea Platform serves as a venue for reaffirming international law, supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, and fostering cooperation among allied nations. The discussions are expected to emphasize stabilization measures, respect for borders, and the rules-based international order as essential components of lasting peace in Europe.