Seven years ago, on 16 March 2014, in the presence of Russian occupational forces, illegal “referendum” was held in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and the area was later unlawfully pronounced a part of the Russian Federation.

The ongoing illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation – against fundamental principles of international relations – is not only a gross violation of international law but also poses a serious threat to stability and security in Europe.

We recall our standing support for territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. In this spirit and in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262 adopted on 27 March 2014, we invariably and forcefully condemn the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, and underline the necessity of continuation by the international community of the policy of non-recognition and restrictions in response to Russian aggression and the ongoing occupation of the Peninsula.

We hereby express our firm opposition to unlawful measures taken by the Russian Federation aimed at legitimisation and perpetuation of the illegal annexation, including ongoing militarisation of the peninsula, extension of military infrastructure, and intensification of military activity through, among others, military exercise and limiting free navigation along the Kerch Strait. These actions result in growing tension in the region of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

We strongly condemn further violations of human rights on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol illegally occupied by the Russian Federation, in particular the persecution of Crimean Tatars. We call on the Russian Federation to unconditionally respect human rights and ensure that ethnic and religious minorities have the right to cherish their identity and cultural heritage. We also expect that, in line with the UNGA Resolution no. 75/192 of 16 December 2020, international human rights organisations are provided unrestrained access to the territory of the occupied Peninsula.

 

MFA Press Office