I condemn President Putin’s announcement of new laws incorporating Crimea into the Russian Federation.

Russia has disregarded all calls to step back into line with international law and continues down the dangerous path. Russia continues to violate Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and remains in blatant breach of its international commitments. There can be no justification to continue on this course of action that can only deepen Russia's international isolation. Crimea's annexation is illegal and illegitimate and NATO Allies will not recognise it.

I am deeply concerned by reports of the death of one Ukrainian officer. It is urgent that all sides show restraint and take all possible steps to avoid further escalation.