The sham "elections" that Russia has recently held in the occupied territories of Ukraine are invalid under international law.

"We strongly condemn the illegitimate sham "elections" that took place on 8-10 September 2023 in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation," said the Council of Europe's joint statement by Krišjānis Kariņš, Council of Europe President of the Committee of Ministers, Tiny Kox, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe leaders stressed that the sham "elections" held in flagrant violation of international law are yet another illustration of the Russian Federation's rejection of the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law supported by the Council of Europe.

"The Russian authorities' decision to organise them is only the latest in a series of illegal and harmful decisions they have taken since the Russian Federation was expelled from our Organisation as a result of its war of aggression against Ukraine.

These sham "elections" can only be considered as null and void under international law."

Kariņš, Cox, and Pejčinović Burić reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

A week ago, Peter Stano, European Commission Spokesperson, condemned Russia's holding of "elections" in the occupied territories of Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington would never recognise the results of these fake "elections".

UK Defence Intelligence stated that by holding sham "elections" in the occupied territories of Ukraine, Putin's United Russia party faction is seeking to consolidate the Kremlin's influence there.