Ukraine Embassy in Montenegro condemns local political statements

The Embassy of Ukraine in Montenegro has condemned statements made by a Montenegrin parliamentary political party and its leader regarding recent Russian elections. The Embassy stated that by referring to “newly formed territories of the Russian Federation on former Ukrainian soil,” the party is openly challenging Ukraine’s territorial integrity and justifying the Russian occupation of internationally recognized Ukrainian lands.

The Embassy characterized the elections held in occupied territories between September 18 and 20 as illegal and the results as legally void, asserting that such actions serve to legitimize further aggression. The diplomatic mission emphasized that no voting conducted under the threat of weapons changes Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, including Crimea, Sevastopol, and parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.

In response, politician Milan Knežević rejected the Embassy’s criticism, stating he has always called for respect for territorial integrity and peaceful agreements. Knežević argued that the Embassy’s stance is an attempt to “re-educate” Montenegrin citizens regarding their historical ties to Russia and accused Western mentors of pushing for conflict. He maintained that his communications do not constitute a challenge to Ukrainian sovereignty.