Ukraine's recognition of Circassian genocide encourages activists

Circassian organizations and activists abroad have welcomed the recognition of the Circassian genocide by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and expressed hope that this will lead to the recognition of the genocide by other countries. The International Circassian Association has treated this decision as anti-Russian.

On January 9, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recognized the Circassian genocide during the Caucasian War and called on Russia to apologize for it.

Nusret Bash, the head of the Federation of Circassian Associations, has recalled that after the collapse of the USSR, Circassians appealed to many countries with a request to recognize the genocide during the Caucasian War, but only Georgia did so in 2011.

Ibragim Yaganov*, the head of the "Free Circassia" Movement**, said that Circassians had sought recognition by the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada), since Ukraine had been part of the USSR for a long time and its MPs could better understand the situation with Circassians. Mr Yaganov* treats the Rada's decision as a very serious step towards the recognition of the Circassians' genocide by the international community.

In its turn, the International Circassian Association (ICA) has condemned the recognition of the Circassians' genocide and stated that it does not need this recognition.

"The Adyg (Circassian) people have no need of such recognition by illegitimate Ukrainian authorities. We condemn the activities of our fellow tribesmen outside of Russia who are pursuing an anti-Russian policy," says the ICA's statement.

*Included by the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) into the register of foreign agents.

**On July 25, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) updated its list of 55 extremist organizations, the "Free Circassia" Movement among them.