Crimea – 5th anniversary of annexation by Russia: Romania strongly condemns this act of violation of the principles and norms of international law

Five years after the Russian Federation has unlawfully annexed the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the Sevastopol city, Romania once again strongly condemns this act of violation of the principles and norms of international law, according to a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry (MAE).

Romania reaffirms its commitment to the policy of non-recognition of illegal annexation, as well as support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in its internationally recognized borders, rfi.ro reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports and joins the Declaration of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, released for marking five years since the peninsula was annexed.

“The European Union reiterates that it does not recognize and continues to condemn this violation of international law,” Mogherini said. “It remains a direct challenge to international security, with grave implications for the international legal order that protects the territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty of all states,” Federica Mogherini’s message reads, according to. rferl.org.

She also condemned Russia’s construction of the Kerch Bridge, which links Russia’s Taman Peninsula with Crimea, saying the building of the bridge without Ukraine’s consent “constitutes a further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“The EU expects Russia to ensure unhindered and free passage of all ships through the Kerch Strait to and from the Azov Sea, in accordance with international law,” she said.

In the document, the head of European diplomacy also speaks of human rights violations.

“The rights of the Crimean Tatars have been gravely violated through the shutting down of Crimean Tatar media outlets, the banning of the activities of the Mejlis, their self-governing body, and the persecution of its leaders and members of their community,” she said.