The Wall Street Journal stated that if the West wants to remain united in supporting the Ukrainian cause, it must also tirelessly support the Crimean Tatar cause.
“While Western governments continue to rightly support political independence for Ukrainians, the Crimean Tatars are noticeably absent from the debate; Few admit the possibility of any self-expression for the Crimean Tatars once the Russian occupation is finally ended. This approach, which is ostensibly intended to support Ukraine’s Western allies in their fight to regain Crimea, only threatens Western multilateralism. The West’s erroneous signals about its position on self-determination have confused partners in the past and could destroy partnerships in the future”,- they report.
They also noted how the Crimean Tatars clearly expressed their protest against the Russian occupation.
“It is important to note that national self-determination for the Crimean Tatars does not necessarily mean statehood. In the past, Crimean Tatars were receptive to simple autonomy within Ukraine. But for the Crimean Tatars it is important that they decide this for themselves, without the imposition of an arrogant directive from foreign countries. When Russia’s occupation of Crimea eventually ends, it is the West’s responsibility to demand a legitimate referendum and invite international observers to verify its validity. … The time has come for the West to hear the voice of the indigenous people of Crimea and invite them to the negotiating table as equals”,- they noted.