In a powerful speech delivered at an international conference on Crimea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed his commitment to liberating Crimea and bringing an end to Russia's occupation. The Crimea peninsula was seized and annexed by Russia in 2014, a move that was widely condemned internationally. President Zelensky stressed that Crimea, along with other parts of Ukraine that are currently occupied, will be de-occupied. Despite facing criticism for the slow progress of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, President Zelensky assured the international community that Ukrainian troops have been making advances in regaining lost territories. However, he refrained from providing a specific timeline for the retaking of Crimea and other occupied areas.

The New York Times recently reported that Ukraine has been facing difficulties in breaking through heavily defended Russian lines, partly due to the misplacement of troops. When questioned about the military movements, President Zelensky highlighted the risks involved in reallocating forces away from the eastern front, where Russia has a significant presence. He listed several towns and cities that may become more vulnerable to Russian attacks if forces were shifted elsewhere, emphasizing Ukraine's determination to defend Kharkiv, Donbas, Pavlohrad, and Dnipro.

While Russia shows no intentions of relinquishing control over Crimea, President Zelensky emphasized that once the peninsula is back under Ukrainian control, it would be integrated into Ukraine's economy and, consequently, the global economy. He announced the signing of the first economic document with companies willing to invest in Crimea following the end of Russian control, including prominent names like Ryanair, Vodafone, Nokia, and EPAM.

Although specific details about the document were not provided, this signifies a significant step towards Crimea's reintegration into Ukraine. President Zelensky's unwavering determination to end Russia's occupation of Crimea and other occupied territories in Ukraine reflects the resilience and resolve of the Ukrainian people. With ongoing efforts and support from the international community, Ukraine continues to strive towards reclaiming its sovereign lands and securing a peaceful and prosperous future.