Ukraine’s top diplomat discussing the Freedom in the World 2016 report stressed that it is unacceptable to question Crimea’s status as an integral part of Ukraine, regardless of the methodology applied in the study. Today, Crimea is a temporary occupied Ukrainian territory and Russia is the one to bear full responsibility for any human rights violations as an occupying power.
Michael Abramowitz has assured the Foreign Minister that the Freedom House stands solidly behind the Ukrainian position, its freedom and democracy. The organization has been very clear on condemning Russian occupation of Ukrainian peninsula, which happen to be the most serious breach of the international law since World War 2. The Freedom House will consider Ukrainian position while preparing methodology for its future reports.