On 13 June the European Union and Ukraine held – in virtual format - the 12th round of discussions at senior officials’ level on the consequences of the temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories by Russia, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. 

The EU reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It reiterated that it will never recognise Russia’s attempts at annexing by force territories of Ukraine. Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia are Ukraine. 

The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of its non-recognition policy, including through restrictive measures imposed in response to Russia’s violations of international law. 

In particular, the EU and Ukraine exchanged views on the activities of the International Crimea Platform, impact of Russia’s temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories, with a focus on the severe deterioration of the human rights situation and on the security situation. This includes forced deportation and displacement, forced ‘passportisation’, forced mobilisation of Ukrainian citizens by Russia, arbitrary detentions, as well as restrictions of freedom of expression. The EU and Ukraine will continue to cooperate to monitor and document potential war crimes and crimes against humanity, as also reported by the UN and the OSCE. Ensuring full accountability for these crimes is essential.

These discussions, launched in 2015, aim to coordinate efforts and maintain regular exchanges on the implementation of the EU's non-recognition policy towards the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.