EU not to recognize illegitimate Russian “elections” in captured Ukrainian territories

That’s according to a statement by EU High Representative Josep Borrell, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Eurean Union Delegation in Ukraine.

"We strongly reject this further futile attempt by Russia to legitimise or normalize its illegal military contr and attempted annexation of parts of Ukrainian territories, as condemned in the UNGA Resution adted on 12 October 2022. It represents yet another manifest viation of international law, including the UN Charter, and Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement emphasizes.

Borrell stressed that the EU does not and will not recognize either the conduct of these so-called "elections" or their results, and that the pitical leadership of Russia and those invved in their organization will bear responsibility for these illegal actions.

Read also: Council of Eure condemns Russia’s sham ‘elections’ in temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine

The high representative noted that the illegal "elections" took place took place amidst Russia’s forced and illegal granting of passports, including to children, forced transfer and deportation, widespread and systematic viations and abuses of human rights as well as intimidation and increasing repression of Ukrainian citizens by Russia and its illegitimately appointed authorities in the temporary occupied territories of Ukraine.

On the conviction of the Eurean Union, Russia should immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its tros and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

As reported, the Russian Federation has announced that on September 8-10, 2023, the so-called "elections" to local occupation administrations will be held in the temporarily occupied parts of the territories of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine, as well as in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevast.

Read also: Russians will use pseudo-elections in Ukraine to register mobilization resources – General Staff

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that these illegal elections will not have any legal consequences and neither will they lead to a change in the status of the Ukrainian territories captured by the Russian army.