EU condemns Russian ‘elections’ in occupied territories of Ukraine, vows accountability
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The European Union has condemned the holding of sham "elections" by the Kremlin in Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Crimea and the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson oblasts.
A statement issued by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Sept. 11 stated the union’s position on the sham elections.
"We strongly reject this further futile attempt by Russia to legitimize or normalize its illegal military control and attempted annexation of parts of Ukrainian territories, as condemned in the UNGA Resolution adopted on Oct. 12, 2022," the statement reads.
The document notes that such actions constitute another violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and of Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Borrell noted that the European Union does not and will not recognize either the holding of the "elections" or their results, and that Russia's political leadership and the people involved in organizing them will be held accountable.
The EU representative pointed out that the illegal "elections" took place in the context of the forced issuing of Russian passports, deportations, massive and systematic human rights violations, as well as intimidation and increased repression of the Ukrainian people by Russia and illegitimately appointed authorities in the occupied territories.
The European Union praised the courage of the people of Ukraine who opposed the sham vote and continue to resist the Russian occupation.
Borrell added that Russia must immediately, fully and unconditionally withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
The Defense Ministry's National Resistance Center reported on Aug. 31 that Russians began holding so-called "elections" to pseudo-local councils and "legislative bodies" in the occupied territories.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that anyone who supports Russia's sham elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine, including so-called "international observers," could face sanctions and visa restrictions.
Advisor to the mayor of Mariupol Petro Andriushchenko said that in occupied Mariupol, the Russians had been looking for people to participate in the sham elections on the beaches.
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