The planned ‘elections’ organised by self-appointed and armed rebel groups in parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions on Sunday undermine efforts towards a resolution of the conflict. They violate Ukrainian laws and run directly counter to the Minsk agreements co-signed among others by the two self-proclaimed ‘republics’ and by the Russian Federation.

Statements by Russian officials that Russia would recognise these so-called ‘elections’ show that Russia continues its efforts to destabilise Ukraine. NATO Allies, as part of the broad international community, have made clear they will not recognise so-called separatist elections.

NATO fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. I call on Russia to respect its Minsk commitments, which could help pave the way for a peaceful solution.