Turkey Reiterates Rejection Of Crimea's Annexation 'Current situation in Crimea "constitutes a breach of international law,' says Turkish Foreign Ministry. Turkey on Tuesday reiterated that Ankara would not "recognize the de-facto situation" in Crimea. "Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea was annexed by the Russian Federation, based on an illegitimate referendum held seven years ago today," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Underlining that the current situation in Crimea "constitutes a breach of international law," the ministry confirmed Turkey's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "On this occasion, we underline one more time the importance we attach to the safety, well-being and the protection of the cultural identity of the Crimean Tatar Turks, who are among the constituent people of Crimea," it said.