The European Parliament tied the lifting of sanctions with the return of Crimea to Ukraine

The European Parliament connected the lifting of sanctions from Russia with the restoration of Ukraine’s control over the Crimea. The adopted resolution notes that the European Union considers Crimea to join Russia illegal, condemns it and continues the policy of non -recognition of the annexation of the peninsula.

"The restoration of Ukraine’s control over the peninsula is one of the conditions necessary to resume the relations of cooperation with the Russian Federation, including the suspension of the relevant sanctions," the resolution emphasizes.

The European Parliament condemned the "unprecedented level of human rights violations" regarding residents of Crimea annexed by Russia, primarily Tatars, and tough restrictions on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assemblies.

Russia "is responsible for the safety of the entire population, observance of human rights, cultural and religious rights of indigenous Tatars and other minorities of Crimea, for maintaining law and order in Crimea," the European Parliament resolution says.

The Euro -deputies called on the Russian authorities in Crimea to effectively and impartially investigate all cases of human rights violations, including the disappearance of people and the use of torture since February 2014. The resolution contains a requirement to provide unhindered access to Crimea to representatives of international organizations and independent experts of the OSCE, the UN, the Council of Europe, as well as any human rights NPOs and news media.

On March 13, 2014, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in whichRussia was strongly condemned for the "act of aggression with the invasion of Crimea." The Euro -deputies called for the immediate conclusion of all the armed forces "illegally present in Ukraine." The actions of Russia "pose a threat to the safety of the EU," the document was noted. They were called the "obvious violation" of international law, in particular the UN Charter, the Helsinki Act of the OSCE, the Budapest Agreement of 1994 and other conventions.

In June, the European Parliament submitted a statement to the International Criminal Court in the Hague to initiate the investigation of the occupation by Russia of Crimea and part of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. The filing of the claim became possible after Ukraine officially notified the Council of Europe about the occupation of Russia Crimea and part of Donbass