The Council of Europe condemned the recent elections held in four regions of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia as per a joint statement released on Sunday. The elections took place over the course of one week in four parts of Ukraine that Russia does not have full control over – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. The results brought about a considerable majority for Russia’s ruling party, solidifying its role in the occupied territories.
The elections were rejected internally by the Ukrainian government. In a statement from the Ukrainian ministry in Kyiv, it referred to the elections as gross violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reactions from abroad have largely been of condemnation. The Council of Europe denounced the election results on Sunday, stating, “We strongly condemn the illegitimate sham ‘elections’ that took place on 8-10 September 2023 in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation.” The official statement further detailed how these elections were held in violation of international law, acted as a display of Russia’s disregard for democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law that the Council of Europe upholds. The Council further declared these ‘elections’ as null and void under international law.
Prior to the announcement of the results, United States Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken, also fiercely criticized the electoral process, calling it ‘pre-determined’ and ‘fabricated’ to support Russia’s assertion of control over Ukraine in a press release.