The EU Foreign Affairs Council on May 12 refused to recognize the referendum in south-eastern Ukraine and decided to broaden sanctions against Russia, regarding the situation in Ukraine.
“The EU will not recognize yesterday’s nor any future illegitimate and illegal ‘referenda’,” the Council said in a statement.
“The Council has decided to add a new group of individuals and entities to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures,” the Council said, adding that “in light of the recent developments and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation the Council has agreed to expand the criteria allowing individuals and entities to be subject to visa ban and asset freeze.”
This will allow imposing sanctions on those responsible “for actively supporting or implementing actions or policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine”, as well as on “legal persons, entities or bodies in Crimea or Sevastopol whose ownership has been transferred contrary to Ukrainian law,” the Council said.
The Council said that “the tragic events in Odessa of 2 May with many dead and injured must be thoroughly investigated and all those responsible brought to justice.”
The EU Council reiterated its demand to Russia “to call back its troops from the Ukrainian border and to immediately withdraw the mandate of the Federation Council to use force on Ukrainian soil.”
“The EU reconfirms its full commitment to the Geneva Joint Statement of 17 April on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all citizens, and calls on all parties involved in the Geneva meeting of 17 April to fully implement it,” the Council said.
More information:
Council conclusions on Ukraine
Fact sheet EU – Ukraine relations
