Dzheppar: Crimea is test field for Russia’s appetite in the region

“The situation in Crimea is only a test field for the appetite of Russia in the region as it can be seen in both Syria and Libya,” First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar said in an interview with the Daily Sabah.

The official reminded about the stance of Ukraine and the international community on the occupation of Crimea.

“… Russia is a state that committed a crime against Ukraine, a country that is totally responsible for the occupation and a country that has to de-occupy Crimea,” Dzheppar underlined.

Speaking about the launch of the Crimean Platform by Ukraine and the possible participation of Russia in it, the diplomat said that the incumbent Russian leadership committed crimes against humanity, ignoring international law.

“Of course, we do not have any illusion on what the real face of Russia today is and unfortunately we have to state that the current authority of Russia is one that does not demonstrate any civilized position and that actually commits crimes against humanity,” the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said.

She also expressed hope for cooperation with Turkey within the framework of the Crimean Platform, further political and practical support from Ankara, including for Crimean Tatars who moved from the peninsula to the mainland of Ukraine.

Last week, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar made a several-day visit to Turkey and held a number of meetings, including with Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. The primary focus of the meetings was on Crimea.

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