On March 15, 2024, Sergiy Kyslytsya, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, delivered a joint statement on behalf of multiple countries and the European Union. The statement addressed the Russian Federation's organization of presidential elections in territories temporarily occupied within Ukraine.
The statement expressed strong condemnation of Russia's actions, describing them as "illegitimate attempts" that violate international law by disregarding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. It emphasized that such elections hold no validity under international law.
The joint statement recalled the UN General Assembly resolution (ESS/11/4) from October 12, 2022. This resolution declared Russian referendums in September 2022 in parts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions invalid under international law. It noted that an overwhelming majority of 143 countries supported this resolution. Additionally, it referenced General Assembly resolution 68/262 from March 27, 2014, which similarly rejected Russia's referendums held on March 16, 2014, in Crimea and Sevastopol.
The representatives reiterated calls for all states and organizations not to recognize any changes made by Russia to the status of Crimea or other affected regions within Ukraine. They urged against any actions that might imply recognition of such altered statuses.
Furthermore, the statement demanded that Russia refrain from holding elections in these occupied territories and called for an end to its military aggression against Ukraine. It urged immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory within its internationally recognized borders.
In conclusion, the statement reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity within its recognized borders.