Medinsky: for Russia there is no question of Crimea and Donbass in negotiations with Kyiv

“As for Crimea and Donbass, this issue does not exist for Russia.

Crimea is a sovereign part of Russia, enshrined in the Constitution, and the will of the people was repeatedly expressed both in elections and in a referendum in full accordance with the UN Charter, in full accordance with the precedent decision of the UN International Court of Justice, the will of the people of Crimea was recorded,” he said. .

According to him, "non-recognition of Crimea by a number of Western countries is the biggest violation of international law and UN principles."

Medinsky also said that "with regard to the Donbass, the will and position of Russia are also unchanged."

“The people themselves want to determine their own destiny and are ready to defend it with weapons in their hands, which they did for more than eight years, being subjected to permanent armed aggression from Ukraine,” Medinsky said.

According to him, the decision of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo fully legitimizes the situation in Donbas.

“Unfortunately, the very concept of international law for the last three months seems to have ceased to exist for the West,” Medinsky said.

Crimea became a Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014: the majority of residents voted for reunification with Russia.

On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees on Russia's recognition of the independence of the LNR and the DNR.