U.S. calls on Russia to end occupation of Crimea - Pompeo

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a respective statement, titled "Crimea Declaration," on July 25, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Russia, through its 2014 invasion of Ukraine and its attempted annexation of Crimea, sought to undermine a bedrock international principle shared by democratic states: that no country can change the borders of another by force," reads the document.

According to the statement, Russia itself agreed to this principle in the United Nations Charter, pledging to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. This fundamental principle - which was reaffirmed in the Helsinki Final Act - constitutes one of the foundations upon which our shared security and safety rests.

"The United States reaffirms as policy its refusal to recognize the Kremlin's claims of sovereignty over territory seized by force in contravention of international law. In concert with allies, partners, and the international community, the United States rejects Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraine's territorial integrity is restored," reads the statement.

In this regard, the United States called on Russia to respect international principles and to end its occupation of Crimea.

"As democratic states seek to build a free, just, and prosperous world, we must uphold our commitment to the international principle of sovereign equality and respect the territorial integrity of other states. Through its actions, Russia has acted in a manner unworthy of a great nation and has chosen to isolate itself from the international community," Pompeo said.

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