Russia Criticised For 2014 Annexation Of Crimea

The alliance has condemned Russia five years on from the annexation of Crimea (Picture: PA).

NATO and the European Union have condemned Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula five years after Moscow declared the region Russian territory.

Ally nations said in a statement on Monday that "we strongly condemn this act, which we do not and will not recognise" and also criticised Russia's military build-up in Crimea.

EU foreign ministers are marking the fifth anniversary of the annexation.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said: "We stand in full solidarity with Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity."

NATO and the EU also called for the release of Ukrainian sailors detained by the Russian navy and coastguard in waters off Ukraine in November.