Western countries have denounced the results of Russian sham referenda on Ukraine’s territory
Western countries condemn the illegal and sham referenda Russian authorities held in temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson region in order to annex territories of Ukraine.
People there were forced to vote under a gun barrel. The results of the so-called referenda have nothing to do with reality and are another Russian war crime, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says and calls on the international community to increase pressure on Russia.
Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State
“We will not — indeed, we will never — recognize the annexation of Ukrainian territory by Russia. Ukraine has the absolute right to defend itself throughout its territory, including to take back the territory that has been illegally seized one way or another by Russia.”
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General
“NATO Allies are unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-defense. The sham referenda held by Russia have no legitimacy and are a blatant violation of international law. These lands are Ukraine.”
Gitanas Nauseda, President of Lithuania
“Fake referendums. Fake results. People filling referendum ballots with guns in their faces. These desperate attempts by Russia to annex Ukrainian territory at all costs do not change the reality — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson are and will be Ukraine.”
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
“The EU denounces holding of illegal “referenda” and their falsified outcome. This is another violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty + territorial integrity, amidst systematic abuses of human rights. We commend the courage of Ukrainians, who continue to oppose & resist Russian invasion.”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“The so-called referendums held by Russia in the illegally occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, in Ukraine, have absolutely no legitimacy. There are numerous reports of voters being intimidated through force, and these referendums are in blatant violation of international law, motivated by Putin’s notion that he can redraw the map as he pleases.Canada does not and will not ever recognize the results of these sham referendums or Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria statement
“Austria strongly condemns the illegal sham referenda to justify the annexation of Ukrainian territories by the Russian Federation. They present yet another serious attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The sham referenda lack any legitimacy under international law and will not be recognised by us — just like an annexation of Ukrainian territories will of course not be recognized.”
