Visiting the temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula is possible only if traveling from the mainland Ukraine. Entering from the territory of the Russian Federation is illegal.
This was stated by the representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleg Mykolenko.
This is how Mykolenko responded to a media query about the visit of the newly appointed head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium Haji Labib to the Crimea in 2021, when she was a journalist.
The speaker of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine noted that foreign citizens must adhere to the legislation of Ukraine and the official position of their state. Belgium does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia, supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
"The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is in dialogue with the Belgian side on this issue through diplomatic channels in order to establish all the circumstances of the trip and make decisions on further bilateral contacts," Nikolenko stressed.
At the same time, he added that Ukraine positively notes the Labib ministry's assurances regarding further support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's armed aggression.
"We will continue coordinating the positions of Ukraine and Belgium in the context of the introduction of new EU sanctions against Russia, as well as the provision of military and financial assistance to Ukraine," the Foreign Ministry representative said.