The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has pointed to the double standards of Russia, which has not recognized Kosovo's independence, but recognized the so-called declaration on Crimea's independence.

"Yesterday there was a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry that they consider lawful the so-called declaration on Crimea's independence and the reference in this statement is made on the findings of the International Court of Justice, which is a sign of double standards. It is well known that Russia has not recognized the independence of Kosovo, and the Russian Federation applies the principle, which it condemns, in relation to Ukraine," Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Danylo Lubkivsky said during a discussion "The window of opportunity: What does the EU expect from Ukraine and Ukraine from the EU?" in Kyiv on Wednesday.

He said that there was an act of aggression against Ukraine by Russia and there were numerous human rights violations in Crimea, carried out by foreign troops.

"Crimean residents have become hostages to the situation," Lubkivsky said.