EU condemns Russian intentions to hold sham elections in occupied Ukraine

The European Union has condemned Russia for its intention to hold sham elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine in September 2023.

Source: a statement by Peter Stano, the lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy of the European Commission, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Stano has called the Russian Central Election Commission’s decision to hold the so-called elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories a violation of international law.

Quote: "This is a further futile attempt by Russia to pretend to legitimise its illegal military control and attempted annexation of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol."

Details: Stano stressed that such intentions constitute a serious violation of the UN Charter, as well as the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Quote: "Russia has no legitimate basis for any such action on the territory of Ukraine."

More details: He has noted that all those involved in the organisation of these sham elections, including the political leadership of the Russian Federation, will be held accountable.

Stano has added that Russia must immediately, fully and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

Background: On 15 June, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation scheduled "elections" in the temporarily occupied part of Ukraine for 10 September. This refers to the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts captured by Russian occupation forces.

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