Borrell: EU strongly condemns sham 'referenda' which results cannot have legal consequences
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU, issued a statement condemning the sham referenda held by Russia in the occupied territories of Ukraine, the results of which cannot have any legal consequences.
The text of the statement on Russia's illegal sham "referenda" in Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhia regions was circulated on Wednesday in Brussels by the EU External Diplomatic Service.
"The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the illegal sham 'referenda' conducted in parts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia regions of Ukraine currently and partially occupied by Russia. The EU does not and will never recognise these illegal 'referenda' and their falsified outcome, nor any decision taken on the basis of this outcome, and urges all Members of the United Nations to do the same," he said.
"By organizing these illegal sham 'referenda,' Russia aims at changing by force the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, which constitutes a clear and serious breach of the UN Charter. Their outcome is null and void and cannot produce any legal effect whatsoever. Russia's illegal sham 'referenda' have no legitimacy and blatantly violate international law as well as Russia's international obligations," Borrell said.
"They were conducted while Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and aim at the annexation by Russia of Ukraine's occupied territories. They violate Ukraine's Constitution and Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," the EU High Representative said.
"Furthermore, Russia's illegal sham 'referenda' in Ukraine took place amidst widespread and systematic abuses of human rights as well as intimidation of Ukrainian citizens by Russia and its illegitimately appointed authorities in Ukraine's occupied territories. Therefore, these illegal 'votes,' held under pressure and in a rush, do not represent the expression of the free will of the people living in these regions of Ukraine. The EU commends the courage of the Ukrainian residents who opposed the 'referenda' and continue to resist the Russian occupation," the statement reads.
"All those involved in organising these illegal sham 'referenda' as well as those responsible for other violations of international law in Ukraine will be held accountable. Additional restrictive measures against Russia will be brought forward in this regard. The EU remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and demands that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine," Borrell said.
"In line with the UN Charter and international law, Ukraine is exercising its legitimate right to defend itself against the Russian aggression to regain full control of its territory and has the right to liberate occupied territories within its internationally recognised borders. The EU and its Member States will continue to support Ukraine's efforts to this end, as long as necessary," he said.
