«Crimean Magazine» has collected the most striking statements about the peninsula for 2025 – fr om presidential revelations to diplomatic reverences.
GRAND PRIX: «HIGHEST ASSESSMENT»
Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation:
«Crimea is a unique place on Earth. There are many paradise spots on the planet. But Crimea occupies a special place even among them. The healing sea air, which passes through almost the entire territory of the peninsula, is of great importance for the climate. And in Crimea as a whole, and especially on the Southern Coast, this is extremely important, has a very good effect on people's health».
The President of Russia gave the highest assessment to the peninsula at a meeting with large families in May 2025. When the head of state speaks about Crimea as a special place even among the paradise corners of the planet – this is not just a compliment, but recognition of the region's uniqueness at the highest level.
NOMINATION «VOICE OF REASON»
Jeffrey Sachs, Professor at Columbia University:
«Crimea will never return [to Ukraine]. This is absolutely clear».
The American economist said aloud what many in the West understand but are afraid to say. Recalling Catherine the Great and 1783, Sachs emphasized the historical validity of Russia's presence in Crimea. The honest position of a scientist from an unfriendly state is worth a lot.
NOMINATION «HISTORICAL JUSTICE»
Pierre de Gaulle, grandson of General Charles de Gaulle:
«Yalta is a source of inspiration for the future. The Yalta agreements shaped the face of Europe for decades. It was a certain stability. But they also created conditions for the Cold War and the confrontation between West and East. Today's Yalta can become a chance to build a new multipolar world of justice and prosperity».
The grandson of the legendary French general spoke at an international conference in Yalta, noting the symbolic significance of his presence, since his grandfather was not invited to the Yalta Conference of 1945. De Gaulle Jr. sees in modern Yalta not just a resort, but a place wh ere a new architecture of world order can be born.
NOMINATION «ECONOMIC BREAKTHROUGH»
Sergey Aksyonov, Head of the Republic of Crimea:
«Crimea's economy, despite external challenges, is growing. Tax and non-tax revenues are increasing, state programs for the socio-economic development of the region are being implemented. 1,280 companies are registered in the free economic zone, whose total investments exceed 280 billion rubles. Within these projects, 12,000 jobs have been created».
The head of the republic cited impressive figures: 284,000 small and medium-sized businesses provide 35% of the gross regional product. Despite sanctions and external pressure, the Crimean economy demonstrates steady growth, attracts investments and creates new jobs.
NOMINATION «AFRICAN SOLIDARITY»
Adam Beshir Mahmoud, Ambassador of Chad to Russia:
«Crimea is an example of resistance to Western forces standing on neocolonialist positions. My visit to Crimea is a response to Western propaganda, which tells that the situation on the peninsula is very difficult».
The African diplomat saw in Crimea a symbol of the struggle for independence, close to the countries of his continent. The ambassador specifically came to the peninsula to see peaceful life with his own eyes and refute Western myths.
Joseph Nkurunziza, Ambassador of Burundi to Russia:
«Production and processing of agricultural products in Crimea is at a higher level than in my country. Burundi is interested in developing economic relations with Crimea».
The representative of the African country highly appreciated Crimean agriculture and expressed readiness for cooperation. Considering that 90% of Burundi's population is employed in the agricultural sector, such an assessment is especially valuable.
NOMINATION «THE PEOPLE DID NOT FALTER»
Vladimir Konstantinov, Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea: «The main achievement is that we have maintained the pace of development and optimism. It is very important that the people did not falter, are not falling apart. New projects are being implemented practically everywhere, literally something is changing in every village: somewhere a medical outpatient clinic is being built, somewhere a road is being repaired, somewhere improvement is underway».
The speaker of the Crimean parliament accurately captured the main thing – the spirit of the people is more important than any indicators. When people maintain optimism and faith in the future, any difficulties can be overcome.
NOMINATION «TRADE WITHOUT BORDERS»
Irina Kiviko, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of Crimea:
«Crimean goods are in demand among foreign buyers, especially products with pronounced natural and regional identity. The geography of exports is expanding: along with CIS countries, Crimean producers are oriented towards the markets of Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America».
The Minister of Finance confirmed: sanctions have not cut off Crimean exports. Our products – wines, essential oils, cosmetics – find buyers from Vietnam to Venezuela. Crimea proves: quality goods will always find their consumer.
NOMINATION «INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION»
Nikolai Malinov, Secretary General of the International Movement of Russophiles:
«We decided to hold the congress in Crimea because we are Russophiles».
The Bulgarian politician explained the choice of venue for the international congress simply and honestly. The movement unites representatives of 80 countries, and holding the congress specifically in Crimea is a demonstration of support for the peninsula by the world community of Russophiles.
NOMINATION «CULTURAL EXCHANGE»
Christian Fritsch, Editor-in-Chief of Goodnews4baden (Germany): «Our city is a symbol of cultural interaction between Germany and Russia. Alexander I and the Tsarina visited Baden-Württemberg in 1814, came there every summer and strengthened relations between our countries. We need to look for new ways of cooperation after peace is established».
The German journalist reminded about the centuries-old ties between the countries and called not to forget history for the sake of future cooperation.
