Russia held parliamentary elections in regions it illegally annexed from Ukraine, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea, marking the first time residents of these territories voted in a Russian election. The move drew condemnation from Kyiv, the EU, and human rights groups, who called it a coercive act to legitimize occupation.
Russia’s parliamentary election for the first time included residents of regions illegally annexed from Ukraine, a move officials in Kyiv called “illegal” and human rights groups described as “coercion.” The voting, which began in late August and extended through September 18, targeted areas Moscow seized during its full-scale invasion, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Over 3.5 million voters were registered in these regions, though international recognition of their annexation remains nonexistent.
Election Details and Annexation Context
The Russian State Duma elections in these territories were framed by Moscow as a step toward “reunification,” with President Vladimir Putin emphasizing that voting for the first time since their reunification with Russia.
However, the annexation of these regions—formally declared in September 2022—has not been recognized by the international community. Ukrainian officials warned that participation in the vote could lead to criminal liability, while human rights groups urged residents to avoid the polls.
The extended voting period, lasting until September 18, was justified by Russian authorities as a security measure, though critics argued it aimed to inflate turnout. Crimea, annexed in 2014, also participated in the election, further complicating the legal and political landscape.
Human Rights Concerns and Coercion
Human rights activists detailed pervasive pressure on residents to vote, with local election commissions conducting house-to-house visits escorted by Russian troops. Violeta Artemchuk of the Donbas SOS human rights group warned that public sector workers faced dismissal if they failed to participate, and social benefits were tied to voting.
Volodymyr Fesenko, a political analyst with Kyiv’s Penta Center, called the process a “farce,” noting that voting takes place amid endless shelling and bombing reflects the Kremlin’s attitude toward the people and the electoral process in the occupied territories.
International Reactions and Legal Challenges
The European Commission condemned the elections as another blatant violation of international law,
with spokesperson Christian Wigand stating the EU would not recognize “sham elections” in occupied Ukrainian territories. A coalition of nine Ukrainian human rights groups also urged residents to avoid the polls, warning that participation could endanger their safety.
Russian officials framed the election as a means to secure the Kremlin’s political dominance and showcase public support for the war.
Unresolved Questions and Ongoing Tensions
The long-term implications of the elections remain unclear. While Moscow seeks to entrench its control over the annexed regions, the international community’s refusal to recognize the vote complicates its legitimacy. Human rights groups continue to highlight the risks faced by residents who defy the regime, with Fesenko noting that Any electoral procedures conducted by the Russian occupation authorities have nothing to do with democracy.
As the conflict in Ukraine persists, the elections underscore the deepening divide between Moscow and the West. What remains uncertain is whether the vote will alter the dynamics of the war or further isolate Russia diplomatically.