The so-called “referendum” on the status of the Crimean Peninsula of March 16, 2014 is illegal as it directly runs counter to the Constitution of Ukraine and international law. The Government of the Republic of Moldova stated its position very clearly on the issue, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration reiterates it in connection with the eighth anniversary of the illegal “referendum”.

“The circumstances in which the so-called “referendum” was held clearly shows that this has nothing to do with the free and democratic expression of the people’s will and does not meet the international standards in the field. Respectively, the Republic of Moldova does not recognize the Russian Federation’s decision to incorporate a part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine and considers this is a flagrant violation of the principles of UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act,” says the Ministry’s comment that is quoted by IPN.

The institution notes that the holding of the so-called “referendum” and the annexation of Crimea represent serious violations of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationality recognized borders of Ukraine. Moldova condemns these acts and considers that Crimea is an inalienable part of Ukraine. “In these hard times, the Republic of Moldova expresses its solidarity with Ukraine,” runs the comment.