Disinformation regarding sanctions implemented as a result of the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia.
UK Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons dismissed reports about easing of Crimea-related sanctions against Russia and affirmed the British commitment "to upholding sanctions on Russia for its illegal annexation of Crimea".
The ambassador went on to clarify that "The General Licence issued by HM Treasury for the Crimea Sea Ports mirrors the licensing derogation in Article 6a of the EU Council Regulation No 269/2014 in both purpose and in scope and therefore maintains the same policy impact."
Those sanctions were implemented as a result of Russian violation of the international law as well as key principles of the European security framework by illegally annexing the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.
The European Union does not recognise and continues to strongly condemn this violation of international law, which remains a challenge to the international security order.
This position is based on the UN Charter, which clearly states that the territory of a State cannot be acquired by another State resulting from the threat or use of force, as well as on the Helsinki Final Act in which the signatories declared their intention to respect the inviolability of frontiers and territorial integrity.
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