DISINFO: Ukraine recognised the Russian status of Crimea and the independence of LDNR
SUMMARY
Ukraine recognised the annexation of Crimea. The Ukrainian authorities introduced new rules for crossing the border with Russia, according to which the peninsula is recognised as Russian territory. In accordance with the innovation, citizens in the territories of the DNR, LNR and Crimea need to apply for a biometric passport to travel abroad or a special pass to enter Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Part of the recurring pro-Kremlin narrative thatCrimea is Russian territory. Since March 1 2020, Ukraine indeed has introduced new rules for crossing the border with Russia. According to innovations, citizens of Ukraine can cross the border with Russia only with a biometric passport for travelling abroad. Before, Ukrainians used to travel to Russia with an internal passport. According to Ukrainian legislation and international standards, the annexed Crimea, as well as the occupied territories of Donbas, is the territory of Ukraine. The State Border Service of Ukraine confirmed that the new rule applies exclusively to the state border with Russia and does not in any way affect the administrative border between Ukraine and the temporarily occupied territories. In addition, after the annexation of Crimea and the occupation of part of Donbas, Ukraine adopted a number of laws protecting the rights of Ukrainians living there. Ukraine does not recognise the occupation of its territories, nor the forced acquisition of Russian citizenship in the occupied territories (article 5, paragraph 4).