The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, emphasized during public appearances that the European Union will never recognize Russia’s occupation of Crimea. He criticized the United States for insufficient efforts to pressure the Russian Federation, noting that it would be a mistake for the U.S. to consider the possibility of recognizing the peninsula as part of Russian territory.
This is reported by Київ24
“Crimea is Ukraine,” – Borrell stressed, adding that the EU categorically does not recognize the annexation of the peninsula.
On the evening of April 22, this same position was voiced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He emphasized that the issue of Crimea is not open for discussion: «We cannot discuss Crimea… Ukraine does not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea; it is beyond our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine. This will not happen».
Regarding possible diplomatic insider agreements, media reports have emerged suggesting that U.S. representatives at a meeting in London on April 23 may propose that Ukraine and European countries recognize Crimea as Russian territory and freeze the conflict at its current positions. This raises legitimate concerns about further escalation and changes in international policy regarding the annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula.