Ukraine: Statement by the Spokesperson on human rights violations against and the illegal detention of Crimean Tatars by the Russian Federation

08.07.2020
Brussels

On 7 July 2020, seven individuals, mostly Crimean Tatars, were arrested in the Crimean peninsula for their alleged political affiliation. The European Union considers their detention to be politically motivated and, as they have been carried out under Russian legislation by Russian ‘authorities’ in Ukrainian territory, illegal under international law. The European Union does not recognise the enforcement of Russian legislation in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and expects all illegally detained Ukrainians to be released without delay.

The EU expects Russia to end the pressure on the Crimean Tatar community. International human rights standards must be guaranteed in the peninsula. Full, free and unrestricted access for international human rights actors to the whole territory of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol, continues to be paramount.

The European Union is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

Peter Stano
Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0)460 75 45 53