Refat Chubarov

Refat Chubarov, Head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, stated that only Ukraine and the indigenous Crimean Tatar people have the right to determine the fate of temporarily occupied Crimea. This was a response to US President Donald Trump's statement that "Crimea is a small piece of land washed by four oceans."

France released Crimean Tatar Ilnur Shagayev, detained at the request of the Russian Federation. He returned to Ireland, where he has temporary protection.

The European Court of Human Rights has initiated official communication in cases concerning the ban on the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, imposed by the occupying authorities of Crimea in 2016. The purpose of the complaints is to recognize the illegality of the Mejlis ban and the systemic pressure on the Crimean Tatar people.

In occupied Crimea, on October 15, Russians conducted a series of searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars. Four women were detained, including the wife of political prisoner Remzi Nimetullayev.

The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people states that the Russian occupation of Crimea poses a direct threat to the existence of the Crimean Tatar, Karaim, and Krymchak peoples. The restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity is the only condition for their preservation.

Ukraine is negotiating with potential mediator countries for the return of civilian hostages, including Crimean political prisoners.

The Mejlis stated that the participation of representatives of the occupying authorities of Crimea in events in Uzbekistan will be regarded as recognition of the annexation. The Mejlis called on the Uzbek authorities not to allow their presence.

Refat Chubarov stated that the main efforts of the Mejlis are aimed at protecting the sovereignty of Ukraine and the speedy liberation of Crimea. Also, the Mejlis controls the preservation of the language and culture of the Crimean Tatars.

The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people condemned any attempts to recognize Crimea as Russian, emphasizing that this is a gross violation of international law and an encroachment on the sovereignty of Ukraine. The only way to peace is de-occupation.