On March 18, 2014 summoned Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Federation in Ukraine Andrey Vorobyov to hand over a Verbal Note of Protest against Russia's recognition of illegitimate “Crimean Republic” and the signing of a treaty to include the Crimea and the city of Sevastopol into the Russian Federation.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the actions of the Russian Side do not comply with the fundamental principles and norms of international law on guarantees of territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. 

Ukrainian Side considers these moves as an act of annexation by Russia, which means forcible seizure of the territory of Ukraine. 

Under the UN Charter the Russian Federation in its relations with Ukraine should refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence, or use of any other means inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. 

Furthermore, according to Article 2 of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation as of 1997, the Russian Side takes a commitment to respect the territorial integrity and acknowledges inviolability of the existing borders between the States. 

"The Ukrainian Side strongly denies any sovereignty of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, which is occupied by Russia, and reserves the right to take appropriate measures in accordance with international law and the legislation of Ukraine", - states the Note.