On 28 July, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service condemned Russia’s “continued efforts” to “undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with further attempts to forcibly integrate Crimea and Sevastopol into Russia”.
The spokesperson stated that these measures “represent a violation of international law”. In a statement, the spokesperson said that the recent keel-laying ceremony of two assault ships in Kerch was “yet another clear step in the ongoing militarisation of the peninsula, with a considerable negative impact on regional security in the Black Sea”.
The spokesperson stated that the latest restrictions on the freedom of movement of Ukrainian citizens to and from the Crimean peninsula are “another concern”. He also stated that access to mainland Ukraine and the right to return to the place of residence has to be granted unconditionally and should not require a Russian passport.
The EU continues to expect Russia to end all violations of international law in the Crimean peninsula, said the spokesman. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)