PACE considers annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation illegal and urges Russia to withdraw its troops from Crimea

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) considers annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation illegal and urges Russia to withdraw its troops from Crimea. This was started by the Minister of Justice of Ukraine Pavlo Petrenko during his official visit to Strasbourg commenting a resolution of the PACE.

"The Assembly considers that none of the arguments that Russia uses to justify their actions do not correspond to the facts and evidence. The corresponding resolution was supported by an unprecedented number of votes - voted "for" 154 MPs," the Minister said.

According to Pavlo Petrenko, the Assembly considers that the campaign on the separating Crimea and its integration into the Russian Federation was inspired by the Russian government under the guise of military intervention.

"The so-called referendum that was organized in Crimea on 16 March 2014 was unconstitutional both under the Crimean and Ukrainian Constitutions. In addition, its reported turnout and results are implausible. The outcome of this referendum and the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation therefore have no legal effect and are not recognized by the Council of Europe,” the Minister cited the draft resolution.

He said that PACE confirms its strong support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and expresses its deep concern about the increasing number of large Russian military forces along the border with Ukraine, which could be a sign that Russia is considering unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine. This is unacceptable.

"Given the risk of destabilization and deterioration of the security regime in the region by further Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the Assembly recommends that the United States and the United Kingdom - as a signatories of the Budapest Memorandum - and other relevant European States to learn the possibility of real security agreements to ensure the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Pavlo Petrenko said.

The Minister also noted that PACE expressed concern over the increasing number of confirmed reports on human rights violations against ethnic Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar minorities in Crimea, including the right of access to their homes after the annexation by Russia.

According to Pavlo Petrenko, the Assembly also expressed regret that democratic changes and political developments in Ukraine have been overshadowed by events in Crimea.