The European Union (EU) needs to impose sanctions on those involved in organizing and holding elections to the State Duma of Russia in the territory of Donbass and Crimea. This call was made by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, writes Interfax-Ukraine…
According to the politician, the appropriate punishment for Russian citizens who were preparing to vote in the “occupied lands” should be inclusion in the European sanctions lists. They imply a ban on entry into the Eurozone, an asset freeze and increased other restrictions.
“The need to strengthen sanctions pressure is long overdue,” Zelensky said and stressed that Kiev is not going to turn a blind eye to the violation of the rights of its citizens.
Earlier, the Ukrainian leader said that in the latest joint statement of Ukraine and the EU on the situation in Donbass, Russia was named a direct participant in the conflict in the region. “Together with the EU, we are unanimous in the fact that the responsibility for the lack of progress in a peaceful settlement in Donbass rests fully with the Russian Federation,” the head of state assured.
The elections to the State Duma of the eighth convocation were held for three days – September 17, 18 and 19. The chairman of the election commission of the Rostov region, Andrey Burov, reported that at least 200 thousand residents of Donbass took part in them. Most of these citizens voted electronically.