Ukraine: Statement by the Spokesperson on the sentencing of Crimean Tatar leaders by Russia

22.09.2022 EEAS Press Team

The European Union condemns the so-called "sentence", issued yesterday in the illegally annexed Crimea by illegitimate Russian authorities, against First Deputy Head of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar People Nariman Dzhelial, as well as brothers Asan and Aziz Akhtemov.

This comes after their politically motivated and illegal detention by Russian authorities last September in Crimea, which the European Union has also condemned.

The European Union expects all Ukrainians illegally detained by the Russian authorities to be released immediately and unconditionally. Crimean Tatars have been increasingly targeted by Russia, particularly in the context of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.

The European Union calls on the Russia to comply with its obligations under international law and stop violations of human rights of Crimea residents, as also reiterated on 23 August 2022 in the Joint statement of the International Crimea Platform Participants.

The European Union remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The EU does not, and will not recognise the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia.

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