IPU President & Secretary General’s Statement on developments in Ukraine

We strongly condemn the Russian President’s decision to recognise the independence of the separatist regions Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. This is a violation of internationally recognized borders and constitutes a breach in the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine, a fully-fledged IPU Member since 1999.

We urge all parties to refrain from any use of force. We call again for restraint and de-escalation to give diplomacy a chance. Any disputes must be settled by dialogue and peaceful means in the interests of all the people in the region.

IPU President Duarte Pacheco

IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong