Reaktionen: EU kündigt nach Duma-Wahl in Russland neue Sanktionen an

The European Union has announced new sanctions following the Russian parliamentary election, targeting officials responsible for the vote in the occupied Ukrainian territories. The EU emphasizes that neither the elections held nor their outcomes would be recognized. According to a statement issued by EU Foreign Commissioner Kaja Kallas on behalf of the 28 member states, individuals linked to the so-called "fake elections" and those hindering free and fair elections in Russia are expected to face penalties.

The statement highlights that the Russian Duma elections from September 18-20 demonstrated the ongoing erosion of democracy in Russia, with the Russian authorities intensifying systematic and institutionalized repression both domestically and internationally to exclude democratic opposition forces. The decision to exclude candidates from the Jabloko party, which advocates for a peaceful stance against the war, from the federal list of candidates has significantly limited the voting options for Russian voters, effectively excluding one of the last remaining opposition forces and the only party with a platform opposed to the war.

The EU also accuses Russia of widespread abuse during the electoral process, citing extensive misuse of administrative and legal means to eliminate those who oppose Russia's illegitimate war and severely restrict the access of the Russian population to independent information. The EU further emphasizes Russia's lack of transparency by noting that the country did not invite observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to participate in the elections.

The statement concludes by emphasizing that this is another example of the Russian Federation's disregard for the binding commitments all OSCE participating states have made.