The EU does not recognize and does not recognize the illegal occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol
European Union does not recognize the illegal Russian occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol and will continue sanctions pressure on Russia. This is stated in the statement of the European Union on the UN security Council meeting on the situation in Crimea, the convening of which was initiated by the Moscow.
“Six years later, the EU does not recognize and will not recognize illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and continues to strongly condemn this violation of international law. The European Union remains firm in its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The Crimea is Ukraine. The European Union remains committed to the full implementation of this policy, including through sanctions,” the statement said.
In Brussels noted that Moscow is trying to legitimize its illegal occupation.
“We regret that Russia meeting shall convene an Arria formula in a vain attempt to legitimize the illegal annexation, and emphasize that this event and our participation here is not to be construed as recognition of any changes in the status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol”, – said European diplomats.
Zelensky: “Russia does not want to talk about the Crimea”
The EU recalled that Russia’s actions are a flagrant violation of international law and the key principles of international order. The statement also notes that after the illegal occupation began and the continued militarization of the Peninsula by Russia has had a serious negative impact on the situation in the field of security in the black sea region, and the situation with human rights considerably worsened since the illegal occupation, as recorded in the reports of the UN high Commissioner for human rights.
“All human rights violations must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. We also call on Russia to stop the abuse of anti-extremist legislation and to release all illegally detained prisoners from the Peninsula. In particular, the rights of the Crimean Tatars was severely disrupted. Russia banned the Majlis, their legitimate government, continues to haunt its leaders, and closed the Crimean media. The EU expects that Russia will cancel these decisions,” – said in a statement.
Diplomats stressed that the Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and all ethnic and religious communities on the Peninsula must be able to maintain and develop their identity.
Crimea was illegally annexed by Russia in March 2014 after the “referendum” is not recognized neither Ukraine nor the world community. Including the “Crimean referendum” does not recognize and the United Nations.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine officially declared on 20 February 2014 beginning of the temporary occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia.
Ukraine has also established the Day of resistance to the occupation of the Crimea.
