Ukraine welcomes the Crimean Declaration issued by U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo emphasizing U.S. non-recognition of Russia’s illegal attempt to annex the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

The Declaration confirms the consistency of U.S. policy concerning the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity. As in the Welles Declaration of 1940, the United States of America consistently upholds the bedrock principle of international law, ex injuria jus non oritur. Illegal acts cannot create rights for the perpetrator.

We applaud the U.S. resolve in urging the Russian Federation to respect international law and restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We are also deeply grateful to the United States for its practical assistance in countering Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.