Sham elections in Russia are not fair and free – Poland

Poland has stated that the presidential elections in Russia are a sham and cannot be considered legal, free and fair, as the voting took place in the context of severe repression of the population, making it impossible to freely vote.

The Polish Foreign Ministry stressed in its official statement that, contrary to international law, sham elections were also organised in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as in Moldova's Transnistria and the Georgian regions of Tskhinvali/South Ossetia and Abkhazia, unrecognised countries led by pro-Russian separatists.

"Such 'elections' are not considered legal, free and fair," the ministry said.

The escalation of repressive legislation restricting civil liberties and rights, politically motivated criminal cases and the exclusion of candidates expressing anti-war views from running for office are more reasons that the elections cannot be considered free and fair.

"Poland continues to strongly condemn such measures. We also object to Russia's decision to prevent independent Russian observers from observing the vote and not to invite OSCE observers," the statement said.

The illegal decision of the Kremlin authorities to hold elections in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories deserves special condemnation.

"Poland does not and will never accept the conduct and results of the 'election' held in these territories. Russia should be held liable for having organised and conducted it on Ukraine's territory," the diplomats emphasised.

The day before, the German Foreign Ministry said that the Russian sham elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine were invalid and another violation of international law.

On Friday, the United States condemned Russia's organisation of sham elections in the occupied territories.

Almost 60 UN countries also expressed their condemnation in a joint statement.