In connection with current situation in Ukraine and aggression of the Russian Federation against the state of Ukraine, the Embassy of Ukraine would like to declare the following:

• The so-called “referendum” on March 16^th 2014 was a political force orchestrated by Russia – lacking in political legitimacy, conducted in a crying violation of fundamental international laws.
• Neither Ukraine nor the international community has recognized this travesty of plebiscite.
• Ukraine appreciates the support of the international community. It will be unrelenting in pursuit of restoring Crimea’s legitimate status as integral part of Ukraine.
• Most observers who participated in this farce represent marginal left and right wing forces. Especially striking was participation of Europe’s neo-Nazi, deeply anti-Semitic politicians. This once again negates the whole premise of the “referendum” as anti-fascist backlash on events in Ukraine. 
• Any step recognizing or legitimizing the “referendum” will be seen by Ukraine as a deeply unfriendly move and will cause severe repercussions on bilateral level.
• Ukraine is deeply and painfully aware of the fact that Russia’s aggression brought the world on a brink of a fatal conflict.
• There are indications that Russia is on its way to unleash a full-blown military intervention in Ukraine’s East and South. Moscow is using its incomparable edge in military force and its nuclear status, violating the assurances given to Ukraine in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and stumping on the Ukraine-Russia Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation.
• There are confirmed reports of Russian citizens participating in attacks on administration buildings in Eastern Ukraine.
• The world needs to help Ukraine in the face of this blatant aggression. We urge the nations of the world not to be silent, to distance themselves from this act of aggression.