The EU does not recognize the results of the Russian presidential «elections» in the occupied territories

The European Union has condemned Russia’s pseudo-presidential elections, particularly in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, stating that it will not recognize the results of these «elections».

In a statement on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell, it was noted that the presidential «elections» held in Russia on 15-17 March took place under very limited conditions amidst Russia’s illegal aggressive war against Ukraine.

The statement also highlighted the continued intensification of systematic internal repression by Russian authorities, including persecution of opposition politicians, civil society organizations, and independent media through repressive legislation and politically motivated prison sentences. The death of Alexei Navalny on the eve of the elections was cited as another indication of the intensification and systematization of repression.

The elections were characterized by an ever-shrinking political space, leading to an alarming increase in violations of civil and political rights, exclusion of many candidates opposing Russia’s illegal war of aggression, deprivation of Russian voters of real choice, and severe restriction of their access to reliable information.

The EU expressed regret over Russia’s decision not to invite OSCE observers, which contradicts its commitments.

Furthermore, the European Union strongly condemned the illegal holding of the so-called «elections» in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. Such actions were described as clear violations of international law, including the UN Charter, as well as of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The EU reiterated its non-recognition of these so-called elections on the territory of Ukraine or their results, emphasizing that they are null and void and cannot have any legal effect. Consequences for the political leadership of the Russian Federation and those involved in organizing the elections were also underscored.

The European Union reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, calling on Russia to end its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and immediately, fully, and unconditionally withdraw its military forces and equipment from all Ukrainian territory.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized the lack of legitimacy in the «elections» of the Russian president.

The EU Council of Foreign Ministers is set to adopt a statement on the pseudo-election of the Russian president, as well as discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.