EU expects Russia to stop all violations of international law in the occupied Crimea

July 29, 2020

The European Union condemned recent keel-laying ceremony of two assault ships in Kerch as it is another clear step in the ongoing militarization of the peninsula. The EU once again demands from the Russian Federation to stop all violations of international law in the occupied Crimea. The corresponding statement was published on their website of the EU External Action.

“Continued efforts by the Russian Federation to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with further attempts to forcibly integrate the illegally-annexed Crimea and Sevastopol into Russia, represent a violation of international law. The recent keel-laying ceremony of two assault ships in Kerch is yet another clear step in the ongoing militarisation of the peninsula, with a considerable negative impact on regional security in the Black Sea”,- the document says.

Another concern is the latest restrictions of the freedom of movement for Ukrainian citizens to and from the Crimean peninsula. Access to mainland Ukraine and the right to return to the place of residence has to be granted unconditionally and should not require a Russian passport.

The European Union continues to expect Russia to stop all violations of international law in the Crimean peninsula. The European Union is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.