Zelensky: Ukraine's normal life impossible without Crimea's return

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on September 23 that Ukrainians cannot return to normal life without the de-occupation of Crimea, the restoration of security, and adherence to international law. Speaking at the sixth Crimea Platform summit, Zelensky said Ukraine expects Russia to be held accountable for starting the war and seizing territory. He also said Kyiv is ready to ensure safe Black Sea shipping if Moscow takes real de-escalation steps. The summit gathered representatives from over 60 states and organizations, adopting a final document reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine. Zelensky noted Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea began broader violations, linking the peninsula's fate to prisoner releases and territorial integrity.