EU prepares sanctions over Russian elections in occupied Ukraine

The European Union is preparing sanctions against individuals responsible for organizing elections in Russia's occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as candidates running under Russian party lists. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the elections as a “farce” and a “special electoral operation” that violates international law and attempts to legitimize colonization.

During a debate in Strasbourg, Kallas noted that the only anti-war party was barred from participating and that OSCE observers were not permitted to monitor the voting. She asserted that residents in Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia were often coerced into voting under armed guard.

Additional criticisms were raised regarding the ruling party, 'One Russia', with allegations of mass fraud to secure between 14 and 20 million votes. While the specific list of sanctioned individuals and the exact date for implementation have not yet been announced, the EU is currently in the political preparation phase of these measures.