International condemnation of Russian elections

Following the Russian parliamentary elections held in September 2026, European officials and international bodies have challenged the legitimacy of the results.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the elections, describing them as a ‘veneer of democracy’ and a significant setback for Russian democratic processes. Kallas noted that the Kremlin silenced dissent, barred parties opposing the war in Ukraine, and excluded international monitors. She also proposed measures against those facilitating elections in occupied Ukrainian territories.

Subsequently, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution calling on member states to refuse recognition of the State Duma election results. The Assembly stated the elections failed to meet requirements for being free and fair, concluding that the new Duma is not a ‘legitimate representative of Russian society.’ PACE requested that members limit contact with the new body and called for sanctions against individuals involved in organizing the elections, particularly in occupied territories.