The approval of additional unilateral US and EU sanctions against the Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol is direct evidence of the West's recognition of the fact that the Crimeans' decision to reunite with Russia was unanimous and free. This explains the "collective" nature of sanctions against them. Those who know history at least from school textbooks will remember who used collective penalties against whole nations and when. It is regrettable that the countries which claim to be democracies are using this method in the 21st century.

For many centuries, the residents of Sevastopol and Crimea have time and again proved their ability to stand up against pressure and aggression together with the Russian people. We firmly believe that new attempts to break their will are doomed to failure.