Russia: Statement by the Spokesperson on regional elections and their non-applicability to the territories of Ukraine

12.09.2022
Brussels
EEAS Press Team

On 9-11 September, regional and local elections were held in Russia and also in the illegally annexed Ukrainian Autonomous Republic of Crimea and city of Sevastopol. The EU does not recognise the holding of these elections and their result in the Crimean Peninsula. The EU does not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, which is a violation of international law. Crimea is Ukraine.

Therefore, no one “elected” in the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula during these elections, claiming to "represent" the populations of Crimea and Sevastopol has any legitimacy and will be recognised as representatives of those territories. The European Union remains committed to its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and to the implementation of its non-recognition policy.

Moreover, the European Union demands Russia to cease its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine immediately and unconditionally, and withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

Peter Stano
Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0)460 75 45 53
Paloma Hall Caballero
Press Officer for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0)2 296 85 60
+32 (0)460 76 85 60