European Council (EC) President Donald Tusk has said that the change to Ukraine’s border as a result of the annexation of Crimea by Russia is a violation of the UN Charter.

In his speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Tusk said Europe is confronting challenges it has not seen for decades including wars close to its frontiers, an "unprecedented refugee and migrant crisis, terrorist attacks, and the consequences of borders being changed on our continent by force, like in Ukraine."

"Wars are raging both to the south and to the east of our borders. European leaders are tackling the consequences of borders being changed on our continent by force, like in Ukraine, in violation of the Charter of the United Nations. As difficult as the situation is, I am sure that we will cope with it, and most importantly, we will, at the same time, remain dedicated to helping make the whole world a better place," Tusk said.