EU Condemns Russian So-called ‘Elections’ in Occupied Ukrainian Crimea

The European Union has condemned Russia's illegal so-called ‘elections’ in the annexed Ukrainian Crimea and called them another act of violation of international law, the UN Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

This is said in a statement by the European External Action Service.

‘The EU does not recognise these so-called ‘elections’ or their results in Crimea. They are null and void and cannot have any legal effect. The Russian leadership and those responsible for organising these illegal actions will be brought to justice,’ the diplomatic service said.

It refers to the UN General Assembly resolution of 27 March 2014, which reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

‘The European Union reaffirms its unchanging position on Crimea: it is part of Ukraine,’ the statement said.

From 6 to 8 September, Russian authorities held illegal ‘elections’ in the annexed Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian-constituted Legislative Assembly, the Russian-controlled Crimean parliament, and to city and village councils in the occupied Crimea.

There were no official international observers during these ‘elections’. The international community, the UN, the OSCE and other organisations do not recognise these ‘elections’ or their results.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine commented on Russia's ‘elections’ in Crimea and Sevastopol, stating that it was a violation of the norms and principles of international law and called the vote illegitimate.