Ukraine President Zelensky Hosts Iftar and Criticizes Russian Oppression of Crimean Minority in Muslim Community

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, criticized Russia’s treatment of the Muslim Tatar community in Crimea during an official state iftar. Russia annexed the Black Sea territory from Ukraine in 2014 and held a referendum on the annexation that was deemed fraudulent and illegitimate by Ukraine and its Western allies. The Tatar community, which made up 12-15% of the two million residents of Crimea, largely boycotted the vote. Moscow has since banned the Mejlis, the traditional assembly of the Tatar Muslim minority in Crimea, calling it an extremist organization and has imprisoned members of the community, citing security concerns. Zelensky vowed to recapture the peninsula from Russia, stating that there is no alternative for Ukraine or the world other than the de-occupation of Crimea. He also announced that Ukraine would begin hosting an official iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. Several Muslim-majority countries, such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, have positioned themselves as mediators in the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow. Russia has a large Muslim minority from southern regions, including Chechnya and Dagestan, many of whom are fighting for Moscow in Ukraine.