On Monday, the Central Election Commission of Russia decided to organise the presidential elections, which will take place on 15-17 March 2024, also in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has temporarily occupied in blatant violation of international law.

The EU strongly condemns this new attempt by Russia to legitimise its temporary and illegal annexation of Ukraine’s territories. The so-called “elections” grossly violate the UN Charter and Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia has no legitimate basis for any such action on the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine.

The EU will never recognise the holding of Russia’s so-called “elections” or their results in the territories of Ukraine. Russia’s political leadership and those involved in organising them will face consequences of these illegal actions.

The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and its inherent right of self-defence. Crimea, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk are Ukraine. Russia must immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

The European Union will continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine to fight off the Russian aggression.