Germany will never recognize Russia’s sham referenda, Scholz tells Zelenskyy

BERLIN (AA) - Germany will never recognize sham referenda in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions, Chancellor Olaf Scholz told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday.

Scholz and Zelenskyy discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in a phone call, German government spokesman said in a statement.

“The Chancellor has underlined that Germany will continue providing political, financial and humanitarian assistance, and support Ukraine by concrete measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including supplying weapons,” Steffen Hebestreit said.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine, and referenda held in the Russian-occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

“The Chancellor emphasized that Germany will never recognize the results of the sham referenda,” Hebestreit stressed. According to preliminary results, people in the four regions voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining Russia. The referendums were held over five days, from Sept. 23 through Sept. 27.

Scholz and Zelenskyy will remain in close contact, and continue their “close and constructive dialogue,” he added.