Statement of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expresses its strong and categorical protest against the recognition by the Russian Federation of the self-proclaimed Republic of Crimea as a subject of international law.

Russia’s actions contravene the international obligations assumed by the Russian Federation in accordance with multilateral and bilateral agreements guaranteeing the territorial integrity of Ukraine, sovereignty, inviolability of its borders and non-interference in the internal affairs of our country.

The independence of this formation has been declared by an illegitimate authority according to the results of unconstitutional referendum. This referendum violates democratic standards for holding referendums that were developed within the framework of the OSCE and the Council of Europe and are an integral part of the principles and values of these international organizations. Recognizing the self-proclaimed Republic of Crimea as "sovereign and independent state", Russia thus has grossly violated its duties and obligations arising from its membership in these international organizations.