• Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the so-called “referenda” in parts of Ukraine
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Press Release
22 September
2022
PR (2022) 125
Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the
so-called “referenda” in parts of Ukraine
Issued on 22 September 2022
1. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the plan to hold so-called
“referenda” on joining the Russian Federation in the Ukrainian regions partly
controlled by the Russian military. As the UN General Assembly reaffirmed
in its resolution “Aggression against Ukraine” adopted on 2 March 2022, no
territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be
recognized as legal. Allies do not and will never recognize Russia’s illegal
and illegitimate annexation of Crimea. Sham referenda in the Donetsk,
Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine have no legitimacy
and will be a blatant violation of the UN Charter. NATO Allies will not
recognize their illegal and illegitimate annexation. These lands are
Ukraine. We call on all states to reject Russia’s blatant attempts at
territorial conquest.
2. These Russian decisions, including on a partial military mobilisation, are a
further escalation in Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. We continue to
reject Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. Russia bears full responsibility
for the war, the immense suffering its aggression is bringing upon the
Ukrainian people, as well as the cost of its war including for the Russian
people now being mobilised. Russia has it in its hands to end the conflict.
Russia must immediately stop this war and withdraw from Ukraine.
3. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence,
sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized
borders, and for Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence. NATO Allies
remain resolute in providing political and practical support to Ukraine as it
continues to defend itself against Russia’s aggression.
4. NATO is a defensive Alliance and will continue to strive for peace, security,
and stability in the whole of the Euro-Atlantic area. We stand united to
defend and protect every inch of Allied territory.
5.