EU proposes sanctions on organizers of Russian elections in Ukrainian territories
The European Union announced sanctions on those involved in organizing Russian elections in Ukrainian territories and non-recognition of their results.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Brussels, September 21 (KUNA) -- The European Union announced on Monday its intention to “impose sanctions on those involved in organizing the Russian elections in Ukrainian territories, as well as officials responsible for undermining the possibility of holding free and fair elections within Russia,” and stated that it does not recognize these elections or their results.
In a statement on behalf of the EU regarding the Russian State Duma elections held between September 18 and 20, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that “the lack of equal opportunities among candidates was exacerbated by Russia’s war against Ukraine and its continued illegal control over Ukrainian territories.”
Kallas expressed the EU’s regret over Russia’s decision not to invite observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to participate in the elections, noting that this “underscores the disregard for the binding commitments undertaken by all participating states in the Organization, and deprived voters and institutions of a neutral and independent assessment of the elections.”
In a related development, Kallas, on behalf of the EU, strongly condemned “Russia’s organization of elections in territories it has occupied in Ukraine,” describing these elections as a “blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
She reiterated the EU’s call for Russia to respect internationally recognized Ukrainian borders and sovereignty, emphasizing that the EU “does not recognize and will never recognize these elections held in Ukrainian territories or their results.” She added that “all participants in organizing these sham elections or running in them within Ukrainian territories, as well as officials responsible for undermining the possibility of holding free and fair elections within Russia, will be subject to sanctions.” (End) A.R.N.
