Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the so-called referenda in parts of Ukraine – NATO HQ

The NATO Invitees associate themselves with this Statement.

1. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the plan to hold so-called referenda on joining the Russian Federation in the Ukrainian regions partly controlled by the Russian military. As the UN General Assembly reaffirmed in its resolution Aggression against Ukraine adopted on 2 March 2022, no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognized as legal. Allies do not and will never recognize Russias illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea. Sham referenda in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine have no legitimacy and will be a blatant violation of the UN Charter. NATO Allies will not recognize their illegal and illegitimate annexation. These lands are Ukraine. We call on all states to reject Russias blatant attempts at territorial conquest.

2. These Russian decisions, including on a partial military mobilisation, are a further escalation in Russias illegal war against Ukraine. We continue to reject Russias irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. Russia bears full responsibility for the war, the immense suffering its aggression is bringing upon the Ukrainian people, as well as the cost of its war including for the Russian people now being mobilised. Russia has it in its hands to end the conflict. Russia must immediately stop this war and withdraw from Ukraine.

3. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraines independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and for Ukraines inherent right to self-defence. NATO Allies remain resolute in providing political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russias aggression.

4. NATO is a defensive Alliance and will continue to strive for peace, security, and stability in the whole of the Euro-Atlantic area. We stand united to defend and protect every inch of Allied territory.

Read this article:
Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the so-called referenda in parts of Ukraine - NATO HQ