The European Union (EU) warned this Saturday of the “consequences” for Russia and all those involved in the organization of elections that the community bloc considers “illegal” on September 10, in the four Ukrainian regions annexed in the middle of war.
“Russia, its political leaders and all those involved in organizing these so-called elections will suffer the consequences of their illegal actions.” stated the European External Action Service (EEAS), led by Spaniard Josep Borrell.
The EEAS stated that these elections would be “another violation of international law” and “another attempt by Russia to try to legitimize its military and legal control” and the attempted annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporijia and Kherson. such as Crimea and Sevastopol.
In the same vein, the EU denounces that these potential electoral processes “contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”.
“Russia has no legitimacy for such an act on the territory of Ukraine,” claims in the statement reiterating its support for Kiev and underlining that Moscow must “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory.” . of Ukraine”. Ukraine”.
Russia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) announced on Thursday that local elections will be held in the four annexed Ukrainian regions on September 10. .
Russia only fully controls Luhansk, while only half of Donetsk was under its rule before the Ukrainian counter-offensive. It also owns 80% of Zaporijia and a third of the southern province of Kherson.
The Kremlin announced the annexation and their inclusion as new Russian regions in the Russian constitution in September 2022, following referenda that took place without guarantees of independence and amid bombing.
In addition, the Russian parliament last spring passed a law that allows referendums and local and state elections to be held in Russian regions under martial law, as has been the case in these four provinces since October 19, 2022.
Source: DN
