Ukraine's Constitution Author Sets a Timeline for Crimea's Return

Mykhailo Kosiv on Crimea and Its Significance for Ukraine

According to Главком: In an interview with Glavkom, Mykhailo Kosiv-a former dissident and ex-member of Ukraine's People's Movement Party (Narodnyi Rukh)-expressed his firm belief that all occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, will eventually be reintegrated into the Ukrainian state. Kosiv, who played a key role in drafting the Preamble to Ukraine's 1996 Constitution, also highlighted the movement's proposed version of Article 134. That version recognized Crimea as the historic homeland of the Crimean Tatar people, granting them the right to self-determination.

Kosiv stressed Crimea's critical importance to Ukraine, noting that in the original 1996 Constitution, Article 134 defines the Autonomous Republic of Crimea as an inseparable part of Ukraine. He emphasized that

“the Autonomous Republic of Crimea is the historic territory of the Crimean Tatar people, who, under international legal norms, exercise their right to self-determination on this territory.”

He added that Crimea is “separated from Russia,” and only connected to the Russian Federation by bridges that could be destroyed.

“But organically-by land, airspace, and sea-Crimea is linked to Ukraine,”

he stated.

Current Situation in Crimea and Its Consequences

Turning to recent developments, Kosiv pointed to the worsening crisis in Crimea. According to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, the occupied peninsula is experiencing severe fuel shortages, logistical breakdowns, and administrative chaos. Power outages, fuel deficits, and transport disruptions are now common. Ukraine's defense forces have conducted a series of strikes on military, fuel, and logistics sites held by the occupiers, including reported damage to infrastructure near Kerch, Feodosia, and Sevastopol, as well as the destruction of a bridge over the North Crimean Canal.

Kosiv also argued that “all the prerequisites for the collapse” of the Russian Federation are present, pointing to its 83 ethnic-based federal subjects, including 22 republics. He cited Ichkeria as an example of a region that fought a war for self-determination. Additionally, he noted measures observed on Belarusian territory that appear to prepare for a potential expansion of aggression against Ukraine.

In summary, Mykhailo Kosiv underscores Crimea's vital role for Ukraine and the need to restore justice by recognizing the rights of the Crimean Tatar people.

Kosiv's remarks highlight the tense and complex situation in occupied Crimea, as well as the importance of international recognition for Crimean Tatar rights. His comments on the possible disintegration of the Russian Federation also reflect broader political and social shifts in the region. The situation in Crimea could shape Ukraine's future strategies for restoring territorial integrity and human rights in the occupied lands.

As discussions around Crimea's future intensify, the Ukrainian government is considering a controversial approach to governance in the region. This proposed plan, which involves a decade-long military administration without elections, aims to stabilize the situation amid ongoing challenges. For more insights on this significant development and its implications, read about the proposed military administration for Crimea.