Crimeans do not enjoy freedom of expression, association, religion or belief. Journalists, lawyers and human rights activists are intimidated. Crimean Tatars are in the worst condition: they are subjected to persecution, arbitrary arrest and detention. As Russians destroy cultural heritage, art treasures, museums and valuable archaeological sites, they do not respect traditions and culture.

In addition, Russia is trying to change the demographics of the peninsula by severely oppressing the Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians and systematically giving way to the Russians. The construction of the Kerch Bridge from Crimea to the Russian mainland, which is prohibited by Ukraine and strongly condemned by the West, also fits into that picture.

The annexation of Crimea has long been strongly condemned by Europe and the West as a whole, but with the addition of aggression this week, Borrell seems to see no reason to back down. He also denounced the ongoing militarization of Crimea, including the construction of warships and ongoing military exercises, which negatively affect the security situation throughout the Black Sea region. In addition, according to the chief European diplomat, Russia imposes conscription on every resident of Crimea.

The environment really gained nothing from the Russian occupation. The latest objection from senior European diplomats is that Russia is using Krimexation to paralyze shipping to and from Ukrainian ports on the Sea of ​​Azov, but this could easily change if those ports fell into Russian hands.

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