🇪🇺🇺🇦Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on regional and local elections in Russia and their non-applicability on Ukrainian territory

On 8-10 September, regional and local elections were organised in Russia and illegally also in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has temporarily occupied.

The European Union strongly condemns the holding of these illegitimate so-called “elections” in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol and in parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine.

We strongly reject this further futile attempt by Russia to legitimise or normalize its illegal military control and attempted annexation of parts of Ukrainian territories, as condemned in the UNGA Resolution adopted on 12 October 2022. It represents yet another manifest violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union does not and will not recognise either the holding of these so-called “elections” or their results. Russia’s political leadership and those involved in organising them will face consequences of these illegal actions.

These illegal so-called “elections” in Ukraine took place amidst Russia’s forced and illegal granting of passports, including to children, forced transfer and deportation, widespread and systematic violations and abuses of human rights as well as intimidation and increasing repression of Ukrainian citizens by Russia and its illegitimately appointed authorities in the temporary occupied territories of Ukraine.

The European Union commends the courage of the Ukrainian residents who opposed the sham voting and continue to resist the Russian occupation. The European Union remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine and its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia must immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

📄Full statement

European Commission #StandWithUkraine

🇪🇺🇺🇦 Europeans continue to be in favour of supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians.

The "Flash Eurobarometer" survey published today shows an overwhelming support among Europeans for the measures taken by the EU in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

▶ 86% of EU citizens are in favor of humanitarian aid to the war victims,
▶ 77% accept welcoming in the EU people fleeing the war,
▶ 71% back imposing economic sanctions against Russia,
▶ 67% think that the EU should support Ukraine's path towards European integration.

Finally, 65% are in favor of supporting Ukraine financially and economically, and 57% believe that the EU should support the purchase and supply of military equipment for Ukraine and military training.

📄️️ More details in the latest Eurobarometer.

European Commission #StandWithUkraine

«The world is getting smaller for the autocrat in the Kremlin.

I welcome the ratification of the Rome Statute by the Armenian Parliament.
 
Armenia has joined 123 states committed to the rule of law»

President von der Leyen

European Commission #StandWithUkraine

This third European Political Community symbolises Europe’s determination to stand up for Ukraine.

We are united around three principles:

▪Ukraine needs to prevail in this war.

▪We will determine the future security architecture of Europe.

▪And never accept the right of might.

European Commission #StandWithUkraine

"Russia is conducting illegal conscription in territories of Ukraine that it has temporarily occupied, forcefully involving Ukrainian citizens in its war against their homeland.

This is yet another violation of international law.

Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia & Crimea are Ukraine!"

Lead Spokesperson for EU external affairs Peter Stano

European Commission #StandWithUkraine