'We’re being tested': Crimean Tatar leader on possible proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian territory

He made the statement on Espreso TV.  

"The position of all political actors in Ukraine regarding the recognition of Crimea as Russian has been voiced repeatedly. There have been many statements from the President of Ukraine, from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and from the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, which constantly emphasizes that Crimea is the homeland of the Crimean Tatar people, the indigenous people of Ukraine, and no one has the right to speak about Crimea, let alone try to decide its future fate without the participation of the Ukrainian state," Chubarov emphasized.  

According to the head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, since Crimea is not only the homeland of the Crimean Tatar people but also an inseparable part of Ukrainian territory and statehood, no decisions or discussions can take place without Ukraine and without the Crimean Tatar people.  

"Therefore, in my opinion, there is no need to make loud statements regarding publications in the press. All these information leaks, as it seems to me, are deliberate leaks, we are being tested. Ukraine, Ukrainian politicians, Crimean Tatars are being tested. And it is not only about Crimea. Similar actions may concern other occupied territories, as well as other important issues—NATO membership, reduction of the Armed Forces, and so on," Chubarov noted.

• The Wall Street Journal writes that the United States is waiting for Ukraine's response regarding Trump's peace plan. It envisions recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, declaring the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant a neutral territory, and removing Ukraine from the list of potential candidates for NATO membership.