The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expresses its indignation concerning the fact that Marine Le Pen, one of the presidential candidates in France, has permitted to state in support of the temporary occupation and Russia’s attempt to annex the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

We remind that these actions of aggressor have been strongly condemned by all civilized countries of the world. It was proved by the UN General Assembly Resolutions 2014 and 2016 as well as the numerous resolutions and official documents of the EU, NATO and the Council of Europe. In response to the Kremlin’s criminal actions, France together with other partners of the G-7 and the EU, has imposed sanctions against Russia. The lifting of these sanctions is possible only after the cessation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and de-occupation of Crimea and Donbas.

Making statements which absolutely correspond with the Kremlin propaganda, the French politician reveals disrespect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and completely ignores the fundamental principles of international law.

In this context, we remind that such statements and actions in violation of the Ukrainian law will surely have consequences, as it was in case of some French politicians who have been prohibited from entering Ukraine.

The Ukrainian side expects that the French community will give a principled assessment of such irresponsible rhetoric of one of the contenders for the highest post in France.

We are confident that France, as the Normandy process initiator and the participant of the Budapest Memorandum 1994, will continue to remain an important partner of Ukraine and contribute to our fight against the Russian aggression.