The European Union strongly condemns the recent escalation of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine. Although the international community has repeatedly called on Russia to immediately stop its military aggression against Ukraine, the Russian leadership has sadly decided otherwise. On September 21, Russia embarked on a confrontational path, announcing a partial mobilization in Russia, supporting illegal “referendums” in the Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russia, and once again threatening to use weapons of mass destruction.
The EU reiterates its strongest condemnation of plans to organize illegal “referendums”, following which Russia intends to annex parts of the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions – areas of Ukraine currently occupied by Russia. These illegal “referendums” are another flagrant violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and a grave violation of the UN Charter.
Russia’s actions in Ukraine continue to threaten peace and security in Europe and the world, with severe global consequences due to rising food insecurity and rising energy prices. The EU repeatedly calls on Russia to abide by the principles of the UN Charter and to abandon these illegal plans. Russia, its political leadership and all those involved in carrying out these “referendums” and other violations of international law and international humanitarian law in Ukraine will be held accountable and further restrictive measures against Russia will be initiated as soon as possible in coordination with our partners. The EU and its Member States will never recognize these areas, as they are exclusively part of Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to restore its territorial integrity for as long as necessary.
According to the UN Charter and international law, Ukraine exercises its legal right to defend itself against Russian aggression in order to regain full control of its territory and has the right to liberate occupied territories within internationally recognized national borders. We applaud the courage and success of the Ukrainian armed forces during the current counter-offensive. We will continue to support its efforts by providing military equipment for as long as necessary.
In addition to the enormous suffering that the Russian aggression has brought to the Ukrainian people, Russia, by announcing a partial mobilization, has chosen to further increase the price of its war on the Russian people.
References to nuclear weapons are without prejudice to our commitment, determination and unity in solidarity with Ukraine and our global support for Ukraine’s ability to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty for as long as necessary. Furthermore, the EU reiterates its commitment to continue supporting the resilience of Eastern Partner Countries and the Western Balkans.
The EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and calls on Russia to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine by its internationally recognized borders.
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