EU rejects Russian State Duma elections in occupied Ukrainian territory
The European Union's High Representative issued a formal statement on September 21, 2026, declaring that the Russian State Duma elections held between September 18-20, 2026, are not applicable to Ukrainian territory. The EU reiterated its non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Ukrainian regions and emphasized that any Russian electoral activity in these areas constitutes a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Date: September 21, 2026
Location: Donbas, Ukraine
Conflict: Russia-Ukraine War
Category: diplomacy
Severity: MEDIUM
Source: Council of the European Union