G7 Foreign Ministers condemn Russia’s sham elections in Ukraine

Tokyo, 13 September 2023 (TDI): The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America issued a joint statement on September 12.

The elections occurred in Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia oblasts, and Crimea on September 8 and concluded on September 10. The high representative of the European Union joined them.

The G7 Foreign Ministers and the EU High Representative emphasized that these sham “elections” represent a clear violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Russia’s actions have no legitimate basis on Ukrainian soil, and these sham “elections” are seen as a propaganda attempt to legitimize Russia’s illegal seizure of Ukrainian territory.

Furthermore, they emphasized that in October 2022, a resounding 143 states voted at the United Nations General Assembly to condemn Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of sovereign Ukrainian territory.

This vote reaffirmed the international consensus that no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force can be recognized as legal.

The territories of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia oblasts, and Crimea are an integral part of Ukraine, and the G7 and EU firmly reject Russia’s illegitimate claims to sovereign Ukrainian land.

Read more: Russia-Ukraine Crisis

They call upon all nations to unequivocally reject these claims and support Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The attempt by Russia to create a fait accompli through these sham “elections” will not alter the international community’s stance on Ukraine.

The G7 and EU remain steadfast in their support of Ukraine as it strives to reclaim its internationally recognized territory.

Furthermore, both G7 and EU pledge their unwavering support to the Ukrainian people, continuing to provide financial, humanitarian, security, and diplomatic assistance for as long as necessary.