Ukraine Urges Global Community to Reject Russia’s September 2026 Elections in Occupied Ukrainian Regions

Statement from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to Рубрика — Політика: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has called on the international community to refuse recognition of the Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18-20, 2026, which Russia plans to hold in Ukrainian territories currently under its occupation. These elections, marking the IX convocation of the State Duma, are the first parliamentary polls since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine firmly regards these elections and their outcomes as illegal and invalid.

Election Overview and International Context

The ruling party, United Russia, is expected to secure a constitutional majority with over 300 of the 450 seats. Other parties on the ballot include the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), and New People. In 2023, President Vladimir Putin enacted amendments to martial law legislation allowing elections to be conducted in temporarily occupied Ukrainian regions and permitting forced deportations. Ella Pamfilova, Chair of Russia’s Central Election Commission, indicated that these elections could be postponed in the event of deteriorating conditions in the occupied areas.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions remain integral components of Ukraine.

"The Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, along with temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, constitute an inseparable part of Ukraine. Their liberation from Russian occupation is essential for restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters," the ministry stated.

The United Nations General Assembly resolutions reaffirm the illegality of Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian lands. A total of 143 UN member states have condemned the occupation and demanded the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. By incorporating representatives elected from these occupied territories into the Russian parliament, the legitimacy of the entire State Duma is undermined. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that

"From September 18 to 20, Russia will conduct so-called 'elections' for the State Duma in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. This is a charade orchestrated by the occupying power with no connection to democratic processes and does not provide any legal grounds for extending Russian jurisdiction over any part of Ukraine."

This development highlights ongoing political and legal conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and underscores the critical need for continued international backing to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine’s appeal for the global community to reject these elections reflects its unwavering stance on sovereignty and territorial rights, key issues within the broader framework of international law and human rights.

As the international community grapples with the implications of Russia's planned elections in occupied territories, Ukraine's intelligence has raised concerns about potential false-flag operations that could be employed to manipulate public perception and justify further aggression. Understanding these threats is crucial for assessing the broader context of the upcoming elections and their potential impact on regional stability.