In a popular statement, in connection with the fifth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea to Russia, the alliance called the events of five years ago "a serious violation of international law and a challenge to Euro-Atlantic security."
“From the point of view of international law, NATO’s assertion that the annexation of Crimea to Russia violates international legal norms is false. This statement itself contradicts the norms of international law, and more specifically, the UN Charter and the 1970 Declaration on International Law, which give the people the right to self-determination. In 2014, the people of Crimea just used this right ... they, above all, declared independence from Ukraine. And then, taking advantage of the right, including to unite with another independent state, they asked to join Russia, ”said Yarmush.
Earlier, NATO called on Russia to “return” Crimea to Ukraine.