Ukraine Conflict Buildup in 2014 & attacks of 2016

While the roots of the Russo-Ukraine conflict date back to the early 1990’s, the main phase
of the war started in 2014. Months of popular protest called Euromaidan swept pro-Russian
Pres. Viktor Yanukovych from office in February, and he was replaced by a pro-Western
interim government. In reaction to the ousting, heavily armed pro-Russian separatists seized
government buildings in Crimea and, with the support of Russian troops, declared
independence from the central government in Kiev. This has led to the War in Donbas which
lasted for 7 years and has killed tens of thousands. France believes and fully supports
Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and right for self-defense under the
UN Charter. This war of aggression has reaffirmed our determination to reject outright
attempts to redraw borders by force in violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

France does not and will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea: the redrawing of international
borders by force is a breach of international law and of the commitments made by the Russian Federation
such as the ‘1994 Budapest Memorandum’ & ‘2014 Minsk Agreements’.

France reiterates its firm condemnation of Russia's unjustifiable, illegal and unprovoked aggression against
Ukraine. By waging a war against a sovereign country, Russia deliberately violated the principles
enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations such as Article 2(3) & Article 2(4).

France remains ready to support any initiative compliant with international law based on negotiation
between Ukraine and Russia and has the objective of two States living in peace and security, in secure and
recognized borders.