Zelensky wearing a vyshyvanka honoring the Crimean Tatar people last year.

Today is the anniversary of Stalin's expulsion of the Crimean Tatar people from Crimea in 1944.

Prior to their expulsion they represented about 25% of the population of Crimea. Following independence from the Soviet Union, the population would rebound. Prior to the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014, about ~12% of the population of Crimea was Tatar.

Russian occupation has renewed Tatar discrimination and repression. Some of the strongest voices against joining Russia came from the Tatar.

If you ever have the chance, try some Crimean Tatar food. It is delicious.