Former French President Sarkozy called Crimea "historically Russian territory" and offered a "solution" to the problem

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called the idea of returning Crimea to Ukraine an illusion. According to him, the island is historically Russian territory and its residents consider themselves Russians.

Sarkozy said this in an interview with Figaro. He also spoke about holding a referendum in the regions of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia.

"When it comes to the territory of Crimea, which was Russian until 1954 and where the majority of the population still considers themselves Russians, I think that going back is an illusion," the politician said.

At the same time, Sarkozy believes that another referendum should be held in Crimea "under the supervision of the international community." According to the former French president, such a referendum will confirm "the present state of affairs."

Sarkozy also said that similar referendums should be held in the newly Russian-occupied regions if Ukraine fails to return them.

"Everything will depend on how the situation on the ground develops. If the Ukrainians fail to fully reclaim them, the choice will be between a frozen conflict, which we know will inevitably lead to a new hot conflict tomorrow, or resorting to a referendum again under the strict control of the international community to finally resolve these territorial issues," Sarkozy said.

He also said Ukraine should remain a neutral state and not join either the EU or NATO.

"Ukraine is a link between the West and the East and is meant to be a bridge between Europe and Russia. It must remain so. This is not only because Ukraine is not ready and does not meet the criteria for membership. It must remain a neutral country," Sarkozy said.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov said that there can be no "lease" of Ukrainian Crimea to the occupiers. Otherwise, Russia will want to become the owner very soon.

Residents of Crimea are waiting for liberation from the Russian occupation. Many are not just waiting but also bring the liberation closer with concrete actions.

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