A number of UN countries reacted to an informal meeting organized by the Russian Federation according to the Arria formula, which took place on May 5. The organization calls on Russia to immediately stop the buildup of troops in the occupied Crimea and end the temporary occupation of the territory of Ukraine. This was reported by the Ukrainian mission to the UN.
Belgium, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Ireland, Norway, the United States and France made statements.
“Russia today held an informal meeting at the UN according to the Arria formula to re-advance the false narrative about Ukraine. We regret this deliberate attempt to divert the attention of the international community from Russia's continuing destabilizing activities against Ukraine over the past seven years”,- the statement said.
The countries call on Russia to immediately end all its aggressive and destabilizing activities and de-escalate by urgently stopping the troop buildup in the temporarily occupied Crimea and along the borders of Ukraine and immediately end the temporary occupation of Ukrainian territory.
“We strongly condemn Russia's attempt to annex the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Russia's actions cause global concern, violate international law, in particular the UN Charter, and also contradict the Helsinki Final Act”,- the statement added.