Assembly President Hugh Bayley has expressed his firm support for the targeted sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian individuals who have been instrumental in yesterday’s “sham referendum” in Crimea.

“There is no justification for Russia’s continuing violation of Ukrainian territorial integrity, and a sham referendum does not alter that fact”, said Mr Bayley.

“The European Union and the United States have today produced a measured and well-considered set of limited, targeted sanctions.  In doing so they have ensured that the doors remain open for negotiation and dialogue, and I would again urge Russia’s leaders to enter serious discussions with the international community and especially with the interim authorities in Ukraine to de-escalate this situation.” 

“The Assembly’s leadership has stressed that it remains open for dialogue with their counterparts in the Russian Federal Assembly who I would urge to refrain from taking further steps towards the effective annexation of Crimea.”

NATO PA Press Release