We do not and will not recognise Russia’s illegal takeover of Crimea - UK Foreign Secretary

UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond made a statement.

"Two years ago today, Russia tried to legitimise its illegal occupation of Crimea with a unilateral “treaty” to “absorb” the peninsula – in reality it was a land grab, plain and simple," said Hammond.

According to him, “less than a week earlier, the Kremlin had staged an illegitimate “referendum” in Crimea. The so-called “referendum” was a mockery of democracy,” he said.

"By annexing Ukraine’s land, violating its territorial integrity, and destabilising east Ukraine, Russia has contravened international law and challenged the rules based international order," the Secretary said.

Hammond also added that such actions are unacceptable, which is why Britain condemned Russia's behavior.

"Our position is clear – we do not and will not recognise Russia’s illegal takeover of Crimea," he noted.

The head of the British Foreign Office draw attention to the continuing human rights abuses in Crimea.

“I call on Russia to end its occupation and return Crimea to Ukraine,” Hammond concluded.