Mogherini: the referendum in Ukraine is illegitimate. Russia should condemn it as well

Europe did not recognise the results of the referenda on independence held in pro-Russian eastern areas of Ukraine, Donetsk and Lugansk, and Russia should do the same. This is what Federica Mogherini, Italian Foreign Minister, said on her arrival in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council to be held later today, when the list of sanctioned persons will probably be updated. Yet, in the meantime, “we all consider these referenda as illegal and illegitimate,” said the Minister, “and we hope that Russia will express the same idea.”

Considering the things happened lately, “we will keep on working on sanctions,” even though Mogherini added that there are other priorities. “We need to support international dialogue and the OSCE mission on the ground.” At the same time, “our target is still supporting reforms and the presidential elections to be held on May 25,” added Minister Mogherini. Yet “our priority right now is to end violences on the ground, this is our aim,” that is, the line and the position to be held.

Europe is experiencing discontent though. The situation is getting out of hand and institutions are aware of this, as well as of the fact that Russian partners aren’t actually helping. “We are still looking for signs of de-escalation,” said the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, to a foreign journalist asking for comments about Russian actions. “It is clear we need to give a sign,” she added quite cryptically. Where? In Kiev? In Moscow? “We will listen to the OSCE Director, Didier Bukhalter, and we hope there will be signs of improvement for the situation.”