‘A complete sham’: European Parliament condemns Russia’s September elections and refuses to recognize its new lower house as legitimate
The European Parliament adopted a resolution rejecting the results of Russia’s State Duma elections. It says the vote was a “sham” held in an atmosphere of fear amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The European Parliament has denounced Russia's State Duma elections, declaring them a "sham" conducted in an environment of fear, exacerbated by Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The resolution, which garnered 482 votes in favor, 41 against, and 39 abstentions, criticized the elections for lacking genuine alternatives and free media, as well as credible observers.
The lawmakers further refused to acknowledge the newly elected State Duma as Russia's legitimate legislature and urged EU countries to cease official interactions with Russian lawmakers. They also opposed normalizing Russia's involvement in international sports and cultural events. The resolution calls for continued support for Russian democratic forces opposing the war against Ukraine.
EU relations with Russia could resume normalcy only if Moscow restores Ukraine's territorial integrity, releases prisoners of war, and compensates for damages, among other conditions. Notable votes against the resolution were cast by German lawmaker Petr Bystron, Slovak politician Ľuboš Blaha, and Czech lawmaker Ondřej Dostál.
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