On February 26, a public lecture titled «10 key facts about Crimea and Russian aggression» was delivered by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, Maksym Kononenko, at Tallinn University.
The event began with a video address by the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Olha Kuryshko, directed at international students. In her speech, she emphasized a key historical fact: Russia’s war against Ukraine began with the illegal occupation of Crimea by Russian forces in 2014 and must end with its de-occupation.
The Ambassador’s lecture on "10 key facts about Crimea and russian aggression" began with a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the following key aspects: the fact that impunity always leads to more heinous crimes, Crimea’s complex historical legacy, the transfer of Crimea to Ukraine was not a unique case, the real reason behind Crimea’s transfer in 1954, the myth of Khrushchev’s personal decision, Crimea’s status in post-Soviet Ukraine, Russia’s early attempts to destabilize Crimea in 1993, Russia’s military invasion of Crimea in 2014, the illegitimacy of the 2014 Crimean referendum, the false Kosovo comparison, and human rights abuses under russian occupation.
The Ambassador invited the students to watch a video about Crimea to help them see that it is not just a point on the map, but a unique peninsula with a rich history, picturesque nature, distinctive traditions, and a diverse multinational population.
The video showcased not only the beauty of Crimea but also the tragedy of its occupation: how in 2014, Russian forces seized the peninsula, stripping its residents of their freedom; how human rights are being violated; how the indigenous population, particularly the Crimean Tatars, faces repression; and how those who oppose the occupation authorities find themselves at risk of persecution and arrest.
The Ambassador also answered students' questions, demonstrating their genuine interest in the topic and their desire to receive firsthand information. The significance of such meetings lies in the opportunity for open dialogue, exchange of views, and the formation of an informed perspective among young people on issues of international politics and security.