“The executive order on Ukraine is largely unprecedented. In the past the U.S. did not impose sanctions against individuals who had been peacefully defending their right to self-determination, which is enshrined in Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966 and Article 1 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These documents allow people to freely determine their political status and ensure their development,” the official said.

“Once again, these are double standards. In July 2009, the U.S. provided the International Court with comments in connection with the situation in Kosovo. At that time, Washington said that the principle of territorial integrity does not prevent state entities from peacefully declaring their independence.” The Hague Court came to the same conclusion and upheld the unilateral declaration of Kosovo’s independence against Belgrade’s will. “This decision seems to be specifying the effective rules of international law,” the ministry said.