The decision, adopted by Verkhovna Rada of Autonomous Republic of Crimea, is unconstitutional, unlawful and legally unworthy.

This so-called “document” violates national legislation of Ukraine and provisions of international documents, including the statement by President of UN Security Council dated July 20, 1993, which was unanimously supported by all members of UN Security Council, including Russian Federation.

Ukraine categorically condemns direct intrusion of Russian Federation into our country’s internal affairs. The actions of Russian side are in contradiction with fundamental principles of international law and generally recognized principles of states’ coexistence.

The Russian side refers to consultative conclusion of UN International Court on unilateral declaration of Kosovo’s independence.

At the same time, Written Statement on Kosovo case, officially submitted by Russian Federation to UN International Court, states that “the right for self-determination cannot be interpreted as sanctioning or facilitating any actions that would lead to dismemberment or to partial or full violation of territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent states”.

Based on this position, as of today, Russian Federation has not recognized the independence of Kosovo. However, one can observe an attempt by Russian side to apply the principle, which was earlier condemned by it, with regards to Ukraine. This means that reference to decision of UN International Court is a classic example of double standards on behalf of Russian Federation.

The Russian side claims that OSCE observers were invited to participate in so-called “plebiscite”. The cynicism of the situation is that the invitation to visit the territory of sovereign Ukraine was transmitted by Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE.

It is also well known that Swiss chairmanship of OSCE has characterized the “referendum”, scheduled for March 16, as illegitimate and excluded the possibility of its observance by OSCE mission.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemns the practice of provocative statements and any actions aimed at aggravating the situation in Crimea.

In order to inform of this position and to obtain the necessary explanation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls in the Charge d'Affaires of Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine insistently calls on the Russian side to deescalate the situation, to enter into direct dialogue and to fully comply with norms and principles of international law and interstate relations.