EU condemns Russia's vote as sham and a breach of international law

The European Commission issued a strong rebuke of the Russian presidential election, describing it as evidence of a continuing decline in democratic standards. It condemned the so-called elections held in the occupied regions of Ukraine as illegal and a flagrant breach of international law. The Commission highlighted the systematic exclusion of candidates and intensified repression of opposition groups, which it says prevents voters from making a real choice about their country's future.

It also noted that Russia's refusal to allow OSCE observers violates its commitments under international agreements. The EU reiterated that it does not recognize the legitimacy of these elections or their results. The statement underscores growing tensions between Brussels and Moscow over the conduct of the vote.