The "elections" of the Russian president in the temporarily occupied territories were based on repression and intimidation. This was stated by the head of the European Union's foreign policy department, Josep Borrell, Sky News reports.

In a speech before a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Borrell said that the "elections" that took place in the temporarily occupied territories violated Ukrainian sovereignty. He also emphasized that they were not free or fair, as they were based on repression and intimidation.

According to Borrell, today, March 18, all 27 EU members will issue a joint statement.

European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano also noted that the EU condemns the "elections", which "represent yet another clear violation of international law by Russia". He added that the union will never recognize the results of voting in the occupied territories.