Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and UK Condemn Russia’s “Sham” Duma Elections in Occupied Ukrainian Territories

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom have joined forces to condemn Russia's decision to hold State Duma elections in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories. In a joint statement, these countries assert that the move is a clear violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, as well as a breach of the UN Charter.

The five nations argue that the elections in Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia are merely part of a wider system of occupation, which includes the imposition of Russian administration, law, media, education, language, and citizenship. They emphasize that these regions are fundamentally Ukrainian and that conducting sham elections cannot change their status under international law.

The statement further calls on the international community to reject Russia's efforts to legitimize its occupation, denounce the sham elections, and hold accountable those responsible for orchestrating them. They reaffirm their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its recognized borders, and demand an immediate cessation of Russia's war of aggression, along with a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire.

This condemnation echoes a recent warning from the Council of Europe, which stated earlier this month that Russia's plans to hold Duma elections in the occupied territories are incompatible with international law and could hinder peace efforts.