Ukraine: Italy condemns “illegitimate elections”, Russia trying to impose its plans through force

NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 8 – The vote in Ukraine is illegitimate and Russia aims to impose its plans through coercion and force: during a Security Council meeting, the Italian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Maurizio Massari, strongly aligned today in condemning the elections organized by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories.

“Far from being an exercise of democracy and self-determination, the illegitimate so-called elections organized by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are taking place amidst widespread and systematic abuses of human rights and intimidation. It is crystal clear that they only represent an attempt to pretend democratic practice while imposing with coercion and military force Russia’s imperialistic plans,” Massari said. “Let me be clear, Italy will never recognize the fabricated results of the illegitimate elections organized by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, just like Italy did not and will never recognize the illegal attempted annexation of all the Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia, and calls on all States to do the same. We see this not as a discretionary choice for States but rather as our common obligation under international law,” the Ambassador added.

Massari also emphasized that Italy “condemns in the strongest possible way Russia’s continuous brutal attacks targeting civilian infrastructures and cities across Ukraine, as well as Russia’s complete disregard to the call rising from the entire membership to put an end to its full-scale, unprovoked, and illegal invasion”. There must be no impunity for those responsible for war crimes and other atrocities: “Russia will ultimately have to be accountable for the heavy damages caused by its war of aggression”, concluded the Italian Representative, underscoring that support for Ukraine will be one of the key priorities of the Italian presidency of the G7 next year, with the goal of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.” (@OnuItalia)