The European Union strongly condemned the elections organized by Russian authorities in Crimea last week. The union said the ballot violated international law, the United Nations Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.
"The EU does not recognize these so-called 'elections' or their results in Crimea. They are null and void, and cannot produce any legal effects whatsoever. Russia’s leadership and those responsible for organizing these illegal actions will be held accountable and face consequences," the EU's lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy Peter Stano said.
