European Parliament condemns Russia over Crimea, supports Ukraine

Members of the European Parliament have condemned Russia's actions in Crimea and expressed support for the new Ukrainian authorities.

A European Parliament resolution adopted on Thursday notes that the Crimea is undeniably part of Ukraine and "recognized as such by the Russian Federation and by the international community."

The authors of the resolution called for the settlement of the crisis, "the immediate withdrawal of all military forces present illegally on Ukrainian territory," and urged "full respect for international law and existing conventional obligations."

The European Parliament said that the territorial integrity of Ukraine had been guaranteed by Russia, the United States and Britain in the Budapest memorandum signed with Ukraine.

MEPs also said that according to the Constitution of Ukraine, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea can only organize referendums on local matters and not on modifying the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. In this regard, the EP said that "a referendum on the issue of accession to the Russian Federation will therefore be considered illegitimate and illegal."

MEPs said that "the establishment of a constructive dialogue is the best way forward for resolving any conflict and for long-term stability in Ukraine."

The resolution also calls on the international community to support Ukraine. The document underlines the utmost importance of international observation and mediation, calls on the EU institutions and member states to be ready to exhaust every possible diplomatic and political avenue and work tirelessly with all relevant international organizations, such as the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe, to secure a peaceful solution, which must be based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

MEPs called for the deployment of a fully fledged OSCE monitoring mission in Crimea.

The European Parliament welcomed the commitment of the Ukrainian government to an ambitious reform agenda comprising political, economic and social change and the European Commission's decision to provide Ukraine with a short- and medium-term financial aid and support package worth EUR 11 billion in order to help stabilize the country's economic and financial situation.

The European Parliament said that pursuant to Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, "Ukraine – like any other European state – has a European perspective and may apply to become a member of the Union, provided that it adheres to the principles of democracy, respects fundamental freedoms and human and minority rights, and ensures the rule of law."

In addition, MEPs welcomed the European Council's decision of March 6, 2014 on a first wave of targeted measures towards Russia, such as the suspension of bilateral talks on visa matters and the new agreement, as well as the decision by the member states and EU institutions to suspend their participation in the G8 Summit in Sochi.

At the same time, the European Parliament stated that in the absence of de-escalation or in the event of further escalation with the annexation of Crimea, the EU should quickly take appropriate measures, which should include an arms and dual-use technology embargo, restrictions on visas, the freezing of assets, the application of money laundering legislation against individuals involved in the decision-making process with respect to the invasion of Ukraine, and measures against Russian companies and their subsidiaries, particularly in the energy sector, to fully comply with EU law, and have consequences for existing political and economic ties with Russia.