Turkey reaffirms support for Ukraine on Crimea annexation anniversary

This was stated on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"On the anniversary of the annexation of Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea by the Russian Federation through an illegitimate referendum eleven years ago today (16 March), we reiterate that Türkiye does not recognize the de facto situation in Crimea, which constitutes a violation of international law, and that we support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," the statement read.

The Turkish MFA also highlighted the importance of the issue of the Crimean Tatars, the indigenous people of the peninsula.

"We will continue to closely monitor developments in Crimea, particularly the situation of the Crimean Tatar Turks, the indigenous people of the peninsula, and we will keep them on the agenda of the international community," the ministry stated.

• Meanwhile, in Russian-occupied Crimea, authorities are forcing students into mandatory “military volunteering”, without which they cannot pass exams or complete their studies.