DISINFO: US State Department behind Crimean Platform which is an attempt to create an anti-Russian foothold
SUMMARY
The [Crimean Platform] is an attempt to create some kind of anti-Russian foothold.
The Crimean Platform itself cannot do anything. This is just an attempt to increase tension, escalate the situation.
The US Department of State is behind the Crimean Platform.
RESPONSE
Disinformation about the Crimean Platform, which is a summit of top officials from 46 countries and blocs, including from each of the 30 NATO members. The Crimean Platform is a consultative and coordination format for the de-occupation of Crimea. A total of 44 countries participated in the summit along with the representatives of the European Commission, NATO, Council of Europe, and GUAM. There is no evidence to support the claim that the US Department of State is behind the summit. In October 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine created the Crimean Platform. Its aim is to keep the occupation of Crimea in the focus of constant international attention. The Crimean Platform will become a foreign policy instrument of the de-occupation strategy. This flexible international format is aimed at consolidating international efforts and achieving synergy of intergovernmental, parliamentary, and expert levels.
European Council President Charles Michel said during a speech at the first International Crimea Platform Summit, 23 August 2021.
"I am here to reaffirm the EU's unwavering stance: we do not and will not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia."
Russia is an occupying power in Crimea, a fact already recognised by the UN General Assembly, PACE, the EU, the International Criminal Court, and other international organisations and states.
No international body recognises the so-called referendum in Crimea. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Territorial integrity of Ukraine”, stating that the referendum in Crimea was not valid and could not serve as a basis for any change in the status of the peninsula. On 17 December 2018, the UN General Assembly confirmed its non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea.
Other cases about the Crimean Platform can be consulted here.