Estonia considers today's referendum in Crimea illegal

Estonia considers the so-called referendum being carried out today in Crimea, Ukraine on whether to join the Russian Federation, to be illegal and does not recognise its legitimacy. Conducting a referendum in such a manner is contrary to the Ukrainian constitution and is being carried out in a situation where acts of aggression have been carried out against Ukraine and Russian troops are present in the region.

"Russia must immediately put an end to the steps initiated to join Crimea with Russia," foreign minister Urmas Paet said. "Such action is illegal and in violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as international law, including the UN Charter and OSCE Helsinki Final Act," he added.

According to Paet, the international community condemns Russia's aggression in Crimea and considers the referendum held in the presence of and under pressure exerted by foreign troops to be void. "We also consider it essential that the decision of the Russian Federation's Parliament authorising the use of its military in Ukraine be annulled," he added.

"We consider helping Ukraine in every way possible to be of utmost importance, including the prompt signing of the EU’s Association Agreement with Ukraine,” Paet said.



The EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels tomorrow, on March 17, to discuss supporting Ukraine and imposing restrictive measures against Russia.


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