From March 27 to 28, 2025, the so-called “International Scientific and Diplomatic Congress” is taking place at the Livadia Palace, located in the temporarily occupied Crimea. This event represents yet another attempt by Russia to exploit historical events to legitimize its illegal annexation of the peninsula and advance its geopolitical interests.
Russia systematically employs historical parallels as a propaganda tool. The Kremlin deliberately draws connections between contemporary events and historical facts, particularly the 1945 Yalta Conference. At that time, the leaders of the Allied states convened to discuss the post-war order. Today, Russia seeks to use the symbolism of this event to create an illusion of international recognition of Crimea’s occupation and to promote the idea of a new “Yalta Order,” which in reality implies a redistribution of spheres of influence in Moscow’s favor.
Positioning occupied Crimea as a platform for international negotiations is a cynical manipulation that fosters an illusion of peace while massive militarization continues. Since the annexation, the peninsula has been transformed into a formidable military base, hosting a large number of Russian troops and weaponry. The civilian population in Crimea faces repression, while the Crimean Tatars, the peninsula’s indigenous people, are subjected to systematic oppression and persecution. Under such conditions, portraying Crimea as a center for peaceful initiatives is not only absurd but also immoral.
The organization of such events on temporarily occupied territory contradicts numerous UN General Assembly resolutions, including Resolution 68/262 of March 27, 2014, which affirms Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemns Crimea’s annexation. Holding such congresses is an attempt to legitimize the occupation and violates fundamental principles of international law.
During the 1945 Yalta Conference, the Soviet government’s 1944 deportation of the Crimean Tatars was not condemned. Today’s Russia continues this policy, distorting history and attempting to rehabilitate its militarism through such events.
To create the appearance of international recognition, Russia invites loyal foreign experts and pseudo-scholars to these congresses, who propagate pro-Russian narratives. This is part of an information war aimed at misleading the global community and justifying the Kremlin’s aggressive policies.
For example, previous congresses organized by Russia included participants affiliated with the International Institute for Pitirim Sorokin – Nikolai Kondratiev (IIPSK), Lomonosov Moscow State University, and other pro-Russian institutions. These organizations are known for promoting the concept of the “Russian World” and justifying Russia’s aggressive policies.
The attendees of such congresses are often individuals who have lost credibility and trust in their home countries due to their collaboration with Russian propaganda structures. Their participation in events in occupied Crimea not only violates international law but also discredits them as independent experts and scholars. The inclusion of such individuals is an attempt to create an illusion of international support and legitimacy for Russia’s actions on the global stage.
Participant lists have already begun appearing on social media:
The international community must firmly condemn the organization of such events on occupied territories and resist provocations aimed at legitimizing Russia’s unlawful actions. It is crucial to maintain unity in supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and upholding international law.
