The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the status quo in Crimea constitutes a violation of international law and reiterated its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The statement also emphasized that developments in Crimea will be closely monitored and kept on the international agenda. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written statement regarding the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. The statement highlighted that the Crimean Autonomous Republic in Ukraine was annexed by Russia through an “illegitimate” referendum 11 years ago, stating “We do not recognize the status quo in Crimea as a violation of international law and once again emphasize our support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.” The statement also underlined the importance of monitoring developments in Crimea, especially concerning the situation of the Crimean Tatar Turks, and keeping them on the international agenda. WHAT HAPPENED IN CRIMEA? It has been 11 years since Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Despite a boycott by the Crimean Tatars, a so-called referendum was held on March 16, 2014, which declared Crimea’s attachment to Russia, yielding the outcome in favor of Crimea’s annexation to Russia. On March 21, 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law at a ceremony in the Kremlin Palace foreseeing the attachment of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia, establishing them as new federal districts. Thus, Russia illegally annexed Crimea.