EU denounces ‘illegal referenda’ and promises ‘robust and united response’ on pipeline damage 

EU High Representative Josep Borrell this morning denounced the “holding of illegal ‘referenda’ and their falsified outcome” in the Russian occupied territories of Ukraine.

“This is another violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, amidst systematic abuses of human rights. We commend the courage of Ukrainians, who continue to oppose and resist Russian invasion,” he said on Twitter.

He also promised “a robust and united response” from the EU over attacks on energy infrastructure.

The damage to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines “are not a coincidence and affect us all”, he said in a statement.

“All available information indicates those leaks are the result of a deliberate act. We will support any investigation aimed at getting full clarity on what happened and why, and will take further steps to increase our resilience in energy security.”

Borrell warned: “Any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable and will be met with a robust and united response.”

Find out more

Tweet on illegal ‘referenda’

Statement on leaks in the Nord Stream gas pipelines