The European Union does not recognise Russia’s holding of so-called elections to the State Duma in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, nor their results.
This was stated by European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand at a briefing in Brussels, Radio Liberty reports.
“We unequivocally condemn the Russian Federation’s illegal organisation of so-called elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. These so-called elections are yet another flagrant violation of international law,” Wigand said.
He stressed that the EU “does not recognise and will never recognise” either the holding of such elections in occupied Ukrainian territories or their results.
“Those who take part in organising these sham elections or stand as candidates in them will be held accountable for their actions,” the spokesperson added.
The European Commission also said conditions for political competition within Russia itself have deteriorated.
“The way the State Duma elections are being conducted underscores the prolonged and deepening erosion of democracy in Russia,” Wigand said.
According to him, the Russian authorities have intensified systematic repression to remove opposition forces from political competition. As examples, he cited the barring of candidates from the Yabloko party and lengthy prison sentences for expressing political opposition.
“The Kremlin is depriving voters in Russia of a genuine choice about the future of their country. It is severely restricting their access to independent information,” the spokesperson said.
Wigand added that the EU will continue to support Russian civil society organisations, human rights defenders and independent media.
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The European Commission also expressed concern over Russia’s decision not to invite OSCE observers to the parliamentary elections, despite relevant international commitments.
The main voting in the Russian State Duma elections runs from 18 to 20 September. Russia is also organising voting in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Ukraine and Western states do not recognise the results of such votes.