16 March 2024 marks a decade since the so-called referendums on joining the Russian Federation were held illegally in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. The illegitimate referendums set in motion the unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine and its territorial unity, which Russia criminally continued in 2022. Having launched a full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, Russia has illegally annexed the temporarily occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine.
Right now, the Russian presidential “election” is being held illegally in the Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied and annexed by Russia in an attempt to legitimize both this “election” and the illegal annexation of the Ukrainian territories.
Latvia recognises neither these illegitimate actions nor their outcome, and condemns in the strongest terms the lawless behaviour by Russia, which is a blatant violation of international law and Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. Latvia does not recognize and will not recognize the illegal occupation and annexation of the Ukrainian territories by the aggressor.
Latvia continues its unwavering support for Ukraine and its independence, sovereignty and territorial unity within its internationally recognised borders. Crimea, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk are integral parts of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory. Russia is fully responsible for its aggression against Ukraine. All those responsible for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine and Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian civilians will have to bear full accountability.