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It Is Crucial to Support the Principles on Which Europe Stands: Borders Cannot Be Changed by Force, and the Aggressor Must Pay for the War - The President

President of Ukraine

24 November 2025 - 13:21

Ukraine is working closely with the United States and European partners to define steps that can end the war and bring real security. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his online address to participants of the Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, held in Sweden. Nearly 70 foreign delegations took part in the event.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for the principled stance and for clearly stating that the annexation of Crimea in 2014 was illegal. The President also highlighted the work of the Crimea Platform and its parliamentary component, which is based on respect for every nation and state and on the protection of the core principles that maintained peace in Europe.

"These principles are clear: respect for human life, no changing borders by force, and no 'spheres of influence' - a polite term used to cover the desire to dominate other nations and wage wars of aggression. This is exactly what the Crimea Platform stands for: refusing to accept that launching wars of conquest is 'normal,' and refusing to normalize cruelty toward people and nations," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President stressed that Ukraine is currently at a critical moment and is working closely with the United States, European partners, and many others around the world to define steps that can bring an end to Russia's war against Ukraine and ensure real security.

"Putin wants legal recognition for what he has stolen - to break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty - and that's the main problem. You all understand what that means. He wants it not only from Ukraine - he wants it from the whole world, and it's very dangerous," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The Head of State pointed out that in the steps Ukraine has coordinated with the U.S., it was possible to keep extremely sensitive issues on the table - including the full release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war under the "all-for-all" formula, the release of civilians, and the complete return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

The President emphasized that Ukraine will continue working with partners, seeking compromises, and explaining just how dangerous it is to pretend that aggression is something one can simply overlook and move on.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the international community to support Ukraine and the negotiation process, and to defend the principles on which Europe stands: borders cannot be changed by force, war criminals must not evade justice, and the aggressor must fully pay for the war he started - which is why decisions regarding Russian assets are essential.

"Please support these decisions, and above all, keep pressure on Russia. Russia is still killing people. Every day. Occupied territories remain occupied. And that means Russia remains a criminal state. Today, almost 70 parliamentary delegations are present, and if parliaments in Europe, in the world, do not close their eyes to this, then no one will," the Head of State said.