New Delhi: NATO has released a statement condemning the plans of Russian President Vladmir Putin to hold referenda in various parts of Ukraine.

The North Atlantic Council has said in its statement that, “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the plan to hold so-called “referenda” on joining the Russian Federation in the Ukrainian regions partly controlled by the Russian military.”

Resolution ‘Aggression against Ukraine’

Citing the resolution of Aggression against Ukraine at the UNGA, the statement further read, “As the UN General Assembly reaffirmed in its resolution “Aggression against Ukraine” adopted on 2 March 2022, no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognized as legal. Allies do not and will never recognize Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea.”

Russian referenda is sham: NATO

Calling the Russian referenda as sham, the statement read, “Sham referenda in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine have no legitimacy and will be a blatant violation of the UN Charter.  NATO Allies will not recognize their illegal and illegitimate annexation.  These lands are Ukraine.  We call on all states to reject Russia’s blatant attempts at territorial conquest. ”

“We continue to reject Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric”

Calling Russian decisions as illegal, the statement read, “These Russian decisions, including on a partial military mobilization, are a further escalation in Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. We continue to reject Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.”

“Russia bears full responsibility for the war, the immense suffering its aggression is bringing upon the Ukrainian people, as well as the cost of its war including for the Russian people now being mobilized. Russia has it in its hands to end the conflict. It must immediately stop this war and withdraw from Ukraine,” it further read.

“We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence”

NATO in its statement showered immense support towards Ukraine in achieving its objectives against Russia. It read, “We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and for Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defense. NATO Allies remain resolute in providing political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s aggression.”

NATO aims at peace, security, and stability

The statement further highlighted the aim of NATO. It read, “NATO is a defensive Alliance and will continue to strive for peace, security, and stability in the whole of the Euro-Atlantic area. We stand united to defend and protect every inch of Allied territory.”