The EU condemns the Russian elections: “They were conducted in an environment of extraordinary oppression”

In their condemnation Monday (18.03.2024, stressing through its High Representative, Joseph Borrell, that the elections “were conducted in an extremely oppressive environment exacerbated by Russia’s illegal offensive war against Ukraine.” As the EU notes in its announcement of the Russian elections, the Russian authorities continued to increase systematic internal repression by fighting opposition politicians, civil society organisations, independent media and other critical voices using repressive legislation and prison sentences with political motives. “The shocking death of opposition politician Alexei Navalni campaigning is yet another sign of accelerated and systematic repression.”, stressed in the EU statement. “The elections were held in an ever shrinking political area, which resulted in a worrying increase in civil and civil rights violations and prevented many candidates from participating, including all those who opposed Russia’s illegal offensive war, deprived Russian voters of a real choice and largely restricted their access to accurate information,” it is then noted. The European Union regrets the decision by the Russian authorities not to call OSCE/ODIHR observers in its elections. “This contradicts Russia’s OSCE commitments and has deprived Russia’s voters and institutions of an impartial and independent assessment of these elections,” it is specifically stated. Elections in occupied territories In addition, the European Union strongly condemns the illegal conduct of so-called ‘elections’ in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has temporarily occupied: the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as in parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizia and the areas of Hersona. In particular it is underlined that ‘the so-called ‘elections’ in these territories represent another manifest violation by Russia of international law, including the United Nations Charter, and independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Referring to the two UNGA resolutions of 12 October 2022 and 27 March 2014, we urge Russia to respect the internationally recognised borders and sovereignty of Ukraine.” The European Union reiterates that it does not recognise and will never recognise the conduct of these so-called ‘elections’ in the territories of Ukraine or their results. In particular it is clear that the elections there “are invalid and cannot produce any legal result. Russia’s political leadership and those involved in their organisation will face the consequences of these illegal actions.” Finally, the EU reiterates its firm support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. “Russia must stop its illegal offensive war against Ukraine and immediately, fully and unconditionally withdraw its military forces and equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine,” the announcement concludes.