The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 16091, in which it refuses to recognize the “elections” to the State Duma of the Russian Federation that took place in September 2026. The resolution was supported by 250 members of parliament.
In the document, the deputies appeal to international organizations—including the UN, the European Parliament, and others—calling on them not to recognize the results of these “elections” either. They emphasize that the mere presence of ballots and polling stations does not make the process democratic.
The deputies noted that the “elections” in the Russian Federation took place without genuine political competition or independent oversight. They also pointed to the destruction of the free political space in Russia, which is a necessary condition for fair elections.
Separately, the Verkhovna Rada drew attention to violations of international law, in particular the holding of voting in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The deputies emphasized that such actions cannot be considered legitimate.
The Verkhovna Rada also called on the international community to refrain from official engagement with the newly elected State Duma of the Russian Federation, with the exception of issues related to humanitarian matters, such as the exchange of prisoners of war.
