EEAS: Russia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the regional and local elections in Russia and their non-applicability to the territories of Ukraine

Regional and local elections were held in the Russian Federation on 13 September. Gubernatorial elections also took place in Sevastopol. The European Union has not recognised the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and therefore does not recognise the holding of elections in the Crimean peninsula. Anybody elected in Russia-organised voting in the Crimean peninsula claiming to “represent” Crimea and Sevastopol will not be recognised by the EU as representatives of those territories, which are part of Ukraine. The European Union remains unwavering in its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine