“We will never recognize this illegal annexation”

taketonews

  • In a joint statement, the Twenty-Seven condemned “unequivocally” the illegal annexation of the Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia

  • They support kyiv’s “legitimate right” to regain “full control of its territory” and “liberate the occupied territories within its internationally recognized borders.”

The European Union has strongly and immediately condemned the proclamation this Friday of the “illegal annexation” by Russia of the Ukrainian territories Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia. “We firmly reject and unequivocally condemn the illegal annexation. (…) Russia is endangering world security”, the Twenty-seven heads of state and government of the EU have indicated in a joint statement of extreme harshness in which they warn that they do not and never will recognize the illegal referendums orchestrated by the Russian president Vladimir Putinnor some results that consider illegal and counterfeit. “We will never recognize this illegal annexation,” they insist.

“These decisions are null and cannot produce any legal effect. Crimea, Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Lugansk are Ukraine. We ask all States and international organizations to unequivocally reject this illegal annexation,” they claim about an event that, they warn, violates international law and the charter of the United Nations. “In the face of Russia’s war of aggression, and the latest escalation by Moscow, the European Union is resolutely with Ukraine and its people. We are unwavering in our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine,” the European leaders insist before a event that represents a new escalation of Moscow. “We have to mobilize. Not for war but to preserve peace, security and prosperity”, said the President of the European Council, Charles Michaelin a video message.

The Twenty-seven again remind the Kremlin that Ukraine is exercising its legitimate right to defend itself from the russian aggression to regain full control of its territory and has the right to liberate occupied territories within its internationally recognized borders. “The nuclear threats from the Kremlin, the military mobilization and the strategy of trying to falsely present the territory of Ukraine as that of Russia and pretending that the war can now take place on the territory of Russia will not shake our resolve,” they say. “The European Union is firmly on Ukraine’s side and will continue to provide strong economic, military, social and financial support for as long as necessary,” they promise.

“They are Ukrainian lands”

“The illegal annexation proclaimed by Putin will not change anything. All the territories illegally occupied by the Russian invaders are Ukrainian lands and will always be part of this sovereign nation”, added the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The same forcefulness expressed by the head of European diplomacy, Joseph Borrellwhich has reiterated the EU’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine and has insisted that the country’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty” are non-negotiable.

The proclamation coincides with the negotiation of an eighth round of sanctions against Russia that the Twenty-seven hope to approve before the informal European Council to be held next Friday in Prague. According to diplomatic sources, and despite the growing pressure, the permanent ambassadors have not yet managed to close an agreement and will continue negotiating this weekend to try to close an agreement this coming Monday. “We will strengthen our restrictive measures against Russia’s illegal actions. They will further increase the pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression,” the European leaders say.

Reinforced border controls

Precisely this Friday the European Commission updated its guidelines on visa procedures and the border controls applicable to Russian citizens who want to enter European territory, in response to the doubts and concerns of the countries bordering Russia after the partial mobilization ordered by Putin and which has caused an increase in citizens –both recruits and their families– who flee the country. Brussels recommends governments to strengthen security controls when issuing short-stay visas, to examine applications on a case-by-case basis and to apply any humanitarian exception restrictively.

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“The European Union is and will always remain a place of asylum. But this time it is first and foremost a question of security: by increasing the controls regarding the issuance of visas and intensifying border controls we will guarantee our protection and our unity”, said the President of the Commission, Schina’s Margaritis. “The threat to security is real. The EU will protect itself and its citizens. Having said that, Europe will not close its doors to those who really need protection,” added the interior commissioner, ylva johansson.

A few weeks ago the European Union already decided to suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Russia. He now recommends that the Twenty-seven apply a strict approach to assess the justification for the trip, including citizens fleeing military mobilization. Brussels also calls for more control over visas already issued to citizens of the Russian Federation. “The mere possession of a visa does not confer an automatic right of entry into the Schengen area. In case there are grounds for annulment or revocation, such a decision may be taken by the border guard, regardless of the Member State of issuance of the visa”, The Commission assures that it also recommends a more thorough evaluation of travel documents by passenger carriers.



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