EU Denounces “Elections" in Eastern Ukraine’s So-Called “Republics”

The Spokesperson of the EU released a statement on Saturday regarding the announcement of "elections" in the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic" and "Donetsk People's Republic” in Eastern Ukraine.

“The European Union fully supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders...Implementation of the Minsk agreements by all sides is key to reaching a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.”

In this context, the EU said, “the announcement that so-called ‘elections’ will be held in the so-called ‘Luhansk People's Republic’ and ‘Donetsk People's Republic’ on 11 November 2018 runs contrary to the spirit and letter of the Minsk agreements, which have specific provisions regarding the organization of local elections in that region.”

The statement emphasized that anything that could obstruct the advancement of the implementation of the Minsk agreements must be avoided. “We expect Russia in particular to make full use of its influence on the separatists in this regard,” the statement concluded.

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: European Union