Crimea’s occupation casts shadow over efficiency of global security system: Zelensky

MOSCOW

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula casts a shadow over the efficiency of the international security system.

Speaking at the opening of the Crimean Platform Summit, Zelensky welcomed the delegations from 46 countries and blocs that took part, saying that for the first time, the Crimean issue was moved to the international arena.

He warned that any other country can be "the next victim," insisting that the Crimean issue should not disappear from the world agenda.

The Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated Zelensky for the speedy de-occupation of Crimea as well as increasing pressure on Russia.

The platform will have to operate at several levels: heads of state and government, foreign ministers, members of parliament, and experts.

Russia and Ukraine have been at loggerheads since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea after a controversial referendum.

Turkey as well as the UN General Assembly viewed the annexation as illegal.

Ukraine has also blamed Russia for separatist violence in eastern Ukraine near the border with Russia.