Foreign Secretary condemns Russia鈥檚 recognition of Crimea as a 'sovereign state'
皇冠体育app Kremlin has this evening announced that President Putin has signed a decree recognising Crimea as a sovereign state.
皇冠体育app United Kingdom, in common with the European Union and the majority of the international community, does not recognise the 16th March Crimea referendum or its outcome as legal or legitimate.
皇冠体育app Foreign Secretary said:
皇冠体育app UK condemns in the strongest terms Russia鈥檚 flagrant disregard of Ukraine鈥檚 sovereignty and territorial integrity. For the UK and her allies the Crimea remains part of Ukraine.
We are witnessing a clear attempt to pave the way for the annexation of part of the sovereign territory of an independent European state, through military force and an illegal and illegitimate referendum.
皇冠体育app UK calls again on Russia to enter into dialogue with Ukraine and with the international community to resolve this crisis through diplomacy and in accordance with international law, not to exacerbate it further through unilateral and provocative actions.
Continuing to ignore those calls will bring serious consequences for Russia. We will urgently consider our response to this latest escalation with our allies and partners, including at the European Council this week.
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