The United Kingdom, along with its allies Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, has expressed strong condemnation of Russia's recent State Duma elections held in the occupied territories of Ukraine. According to a joint statement released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on September 21, 2026, these elections were conducted in Crimea and the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
The five countries asserted that the holding of these elections constitutes a gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, as well as a breach of the UN Charter. They emphasized that the elections were part of a broader system of occupation that involves the imposition of Russian administration, law, media, education, language, and citizenship on the occupied territories.
The joint statement also highlighted the coercive and repressive nature of these actions, including reports of enforced disappearance, detention, and torture of thousands of Ukrainian citizens. The countries made it clear that the holding of these elections did not alter the legal status of the regions, which are still considered part of Ukraine.
The governments of the five countries called on the international community to reject Russia's attempts to normalize its occupation and to condemn the elections held in Ukrainian territory. They urged countries to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Furthermore, the statement demanded that those involved in organizing the elections be held accountable and called for Russia to end its war against Ukraine. The countries emphasized the need for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, stressing that borders must never be redrawn by force.
The condemnation by the UK and its allies underscores the international community's commitment to upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation remains a critical point of contention, with ongoing implications for regional stability and global security.
The international community continues to watch developments in Ukraine closely, with many countries reiterating their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UK and its allies have reaffirmed their stance on the matter, emphasizing that they will continue to stand with Ukraine in the face of ongoing aggression.
Key points
- The elections were held in Crimea and the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine.
- The five countries asserted that the elections were a gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence.
- The international community has been called upon to reject Russia's attempts to normalize its occupation and to condemn the elections held in Ukrainian territory.
