European Union condemns Russian parliamentary elections

On September 18, 2026, the European Union issued a formal condemnation regarding the ongoing parliamentary elections in Russia. European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand described the process as evidence of a deepening erosion of democracy within the country, highlighting what he termed as systematic and institutionalized repression of political opposition.

The Commission specifically criticized the exclusion of candidates from the Yabloko party and the imposition of disproportionately harsh prison sentences on dissenters. Officials argued that the Kremlin is effectively depriving Russian voters of genuine political choices and severely restricting access to independent news media. Furthermore, the EU reiterated its firm rejection of the elections conducted by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, labeling the move as illegal under international law.

This criticism reflects an ongoing deterioration in relations between Brussels and Moscow. The European Union maintains that these electoral processes serve to solidify the current regime's control by preventing any democratic challenges to its authority.