The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the factual situation in Crimea constitutes a violation of international law and supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The statement also emphasized that developments in Crimea will continue to be closely monitored and kept on the agenda of the international community. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written statement regarding the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. The statement reiterated the refusal to recognize the factual situation in Crimea, which constitutes a violation of international law, and emphasized once again the support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Additionally, the statement highlighted the need to closely monitor developments in Crimea, particularly the situation of the native people of the Peninsula, the Crimean Tatars, and ensure that it remains on the agenda of the international community. What Happened in Crimea? It has been 11 years since Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Despite the boycott by the Crimean Tatars, a so-called referendum was held on March 16, 2014, resulting in Crimea being annexed to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law at a ceremony in the Kremlin Palace on March 21, 2014, outlining the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia and the creation of new federal regions, thus illegally annexing Crimea.