During a joint meeting of senior officials on Wednesday in Brussels, the European Union and Ukraine held their ninth round of discussions on the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.

The EU and Ukraine exchanged views on the impact of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, including subsequent restrictive measures imposed by the EU in response to this violation of international law, and welcomed the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Ukraine informed about the activities of the “International Crimea Platform” and the follow-up to the Summit held on 23 August in Kyiv. The EU reaffirmed its support to the implementation of the Joint Declaration signed at the Summit. The severe deterioration of the human rights situation in the peninsula was underlined, with international organisations and human rights defenders still denied access. Both sides also exchanged views on the security situation and the growing militarisation of the peninsula by the Russian Federation.

The EU does not and will not recognise the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by the Russian Federation. It remains committed to fully implement its non-recognition policy.

The meeting was held at the level of senior officials from the European External Action Service and the European Commission and representatives of the Ukrainian administration.