Anton Korynevych: Strategy for Deoccupation of Crimea
On March 24, 2021, the President of Ukraine approved the «Strategy of deoccupation and reintegration of the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol». According to Anton Korynevych, Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, this is the first document since 2014 outlining a set of measures of diplomatic, military, economic, informational, humanitarian and other things of that nature aimed at restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and state sovereignty by deoccupation and reintegration of Crimea.
«It is no exaggeration to say that the adoption of the Strategy of deoccupation and reintegration of the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol is a historic event. Adoption of such a strategic document was expected a long time ago», —
Anton Korynevych, Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea
First, the Strategy envisages the formation of a policy of deoccupation and reintegration of the temporarily occupied territory in Ukraine through the advanced development of territorial communities, job creation, overcoming negative demographic trends; ensuring the socio-economic development of the regions adjacent to the temporarily occupied territory; encouraging social innovation and attracting the resources of partner countries to restore the TOT. The economic policy of the Strategy envisages the state creation of promising measures to restore and establish economic ties, which will be implemented after the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and providing social security to Ukrainian citizens living in the temporarily occupied territory to meet their legitimate needs.
At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers must develop and approve the necessary action plan for the implementation of the Presidential Strategy.
A separate obligation of the state, as Anton Korynevych notes, is to provide citizens living in the temporarily occupied territory with administrative services by creating appropriate centres near the administrative border with the temporarily occupied territory of the AR of Crimea.
The constant support of the residents of the temporary border and the development of contacts of socio-humanitarian, cultural and informational nature will create the necessary motivation for people from TOT to be full bearers of Ukrainian identity and European values.
«Strategy of deoccupation and reintegration of the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol» is Ukraine’s approach to peacebuilding and strengthening the state’s defence capabilities. This will ensure further socio-political and socio-economic development of the country and a gradual approximation of the quality of life in the country to European standards. This will be actually an important message to the international community about Ukraine’s desire to restore territorial integrity.
Anton Korynevych is convinced that the reintegration of the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol and our citizens in these territories into a free and sovereign Ukraine is the only prospect for the future.