UK and Allies Denounce Russia's Elections in Occupied Ukraine

The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway condemned Russia's State Duma elections held in territories of Ukraine under Russian control, including Crimea and the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. In a joint statement released by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on September 21, 2026, the countries asserted that these elections represent a gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, as well as the UN Charter.

They described the elections as part of a broader system of occupation, which includes the imposition of Russian administration, law, media, education, language, and citizenship, enforced through coercion and repression. The statement emphasized that the elections do not alter the legal status of these regions, which remain part of Ukraine under international law.

The five governments urged the international community to reject Russia's attempts to normalize its occupation and called for accountability for those organizing the elections, while reiterating their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and a ceasefire.