Since the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, almost 13,000 people have been killed, 30,000 people have been wounded, and another 1.5 million become displaced.

"The results of the aggression are wrenching and unprecedented for post-war Europe: about 13,000 people killed, 30,000 wounded, 1.5 million internally displaced persons, massive destruction of Donbas, usurpation of Ukrainian property in occupied Crimea, large-scale violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the occupation authorities, political persecution and intimidation of Ukrainian citizens in order to suppress any manifestations of anti-occupation sentiments, stepped-up militarization of the occupied peninsula," reads the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the beginning of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine.

As the Foreign Ministry reminds, Russia began the occupation of Crimea five years ago by grossly violating international law. And although the illegal fake referendum and the Russian status of Crimea were not recognized by the world, the unwillingness of the international community to respond decisively to Russia’s bold act of aggression allowed the Kremlin’s criminal regime to continue the aggression and occupy part of the Ukrainian Donbas. And on November 25, 2018, Russia once again committed an open act of aggression against Ukraine, attacking Ukrainian Navy ships in the Kerch Strait and the neutral waters of the Black Sea.

At the same time, the Ministry stressed that the heroic efforts of the Ukrainian soldiers, the growing political and practical support of the international partners helped Ukraine to restrain aggression. A powerful international coalition has been created and actively supports Ukraine, stepping up pressure on Russia, demanding complete de-occupation of the Ukrainian territories and raising the cost of the continuation of aggression.

In this regard, the Foreign Ministry stressed that Ukraine and the international partners call on Russia to immediately release all political prisoners and prisoners of war. Further delay in fulfilling this requirement by Moscow should have very specific consequences, including sanctions, the statement reads.

In addition, the Ministry insists that an end to the aggression of the Russian Federation in Donbas should be supported by the deployment of a full-fledged peacekeeping mission of the UN, and its mandate should cover the entire conflict zone.

The statement also highlights that the international community supports Ukraine in the Crimean issue, as evidenced by a number of UNGA resolutions, which provide a straightforward estimation of the Moscow’s policy, urge Russia to comply with international humanitarian law and to de-occupy the peninsula, condemn the militarization of Crimea and adjacent parts of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

The Ministry expressed gratitude to the partners for practical assistance in developing the Ukrainian Armed Forces, carrying out reforms and stabilizing the economic situation in the country, which was burdened by the war, and stressed that only Ukraine with the strong economy and powerful army can force the enemy to retreat.

The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine also underscores that the restoration of territorial integrity of Ukraine is necessary not only to secure the future of our people. "It is a key to restoration of confidence in the European and world security system, which should be based on unconditional respect of the independent states for the norms of international law and tough response to the violation of these norms," the statement reads.

ol