Internationally, Crimea is often discussed as a supposed “bargaining chip” — something Ukraine is allegedly expected to sacrifice for the sake of “peace.” This is a profoundly false narrative. First, Crimea is not just land; it is home to Ukrainian citizens who have been living under occupation for more than a decade. Second, any such “sacrifice” would not bring peace — it would only fuel Russia's appetite.

Arbitrary arrests and persecutions occur in Crimea every other day. The latest emblematic case is the arrest of a Crimean Tatar journalist in December 2025 Lenora Dyulber. Hundreds of people remain imprisoned on the peninsula or are transferred to Russia, with no realistic prospects of justice.

What is the current situation in Crimea after almost 12 years of occupation? How has the full-scale invasion affected life on the peninsula? What steps is Ukraine taking, and what should the international community do — not only to influence developments but at the very least to remain aware of them?