UK, allies condemn Russia’s elections in occupied Ukraine

The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have jointly condemned Russia's State Duma elections held in Ukrainian territories under Russian control. In a statement released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on September 21, 2026, the five nations emphasized that the elections in Crimea and the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions constitute a severe violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, as well as a breach of the UN Charter.

They accused Russia of attempting to impose its administration, law, media, education, language, and citizenship upon the occupied regions through what they described as a broader system of occupation. The statement highlighted reports of enforced disappearances, detention, and torture of thousands of Ukrainian citizens, further underscoring the alarming nature of the situation.

The five countries maintained that these regions remain part of Ukraine, and holding sham elections cannot alter their legal status according to international law. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and called for the international community to reject Russia's normalization of the occupation. The statement also urged countries to hold accountable those involved in organizing the elections and supported Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Additionally, they urged Russia to cease its war against Ukraine and agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing that borders cannot be redrawn by force.