U.S. to never recognize Crimea annexation attempt by Russia - State Dept

That’s according to the official statement by the State Department entitled "Crimea is Ukraine," published on Sunday, Ukrinform reports.

"Nine years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and seized Crimea – a clear violation of international law and of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement recalls.

In this regard, it is emphasized that the United States "welcomes the efforts of Ukraine’s Crimea Platform," which focuses global attention on the continued Russian occupation.

"The United States does not and never will recognize Russia’s purported annexation of the peninsula. Crimea is Ukraine," the State Department concluded.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Sunday expressed his belief that the return of Crimea to Ukraine would mean the restoration of peace because it is about the Ukrainian land and people.