Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Natalia Galibarenko

Dear Editor,

Let me express, in the strongest terms, my protest against your mapping of Crimea as part of the Russian Federation in the diagram of Russian stadiums where the national team of England is to play World Cup 2018 matches (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/world-cup-2018-guide-to-the-stadiums-hvrdp3hhl).

I am confident The Times is aware that Crimea is part of Ukraine and was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. These aggressive actions have been strongly condemned by the international community, both at the UN and other international organizations, while Russia has been put under international sanctions for committing its criminal acts in Crimea and waging an open war against Ukraine in Donbas.

The UK Government has made a number of strong statements reaffirming its condemnation and non-recognition of Russia’s illegal actions in Crimea and aggression in Donbas, while fully supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

I, therefore, urge you to take prompt and appropriate action amending the map in accordance with international law. In the future, I recommend double-checking sensitive materials in order to avoid such mistakes.

Yours sincerely,

Natalia Galibarenko

Ambassador of Ukraine