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Fake 'elections' in Russia and its destabilising attacks on Europe

Other author
Parliamentary Assembly
Session
2026 - Fourth part-session

Summary

In Resolution 2677, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) strongly condemns Russia's escalating campaign of hostile acts against European democracies, including cyberattacks, sabotage, arson, attempted assassinations, interference in elections, and attacks on critical infrastructure. The Assembly also denounces Russia's continuing war of aggression against Ukraine, including relentless strikes on civilian areas and a naval blockade threatening global food security. It declares the State Duma elections held from 18 to 20 September 2026 illegitimate, citing the suppression of political opposition, the exclusion of anti-war candidates, mass imprisonment of dissidents, and the absence of independent international observers. The Assembly equally condemns the illegal holding of these so-called elections in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, as well as in parts of Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. Calling on member states to treat Russian sabotage and covert operations as acts of state terrorism rather than mere "hybrid activity", PACE urges co-ordinated action to strengthen democratic resilience, impose targeted sanctions, isolate Russian authorities diplomatically, and provide sustained support to Ukraine — asserting that fake elections at home and destabilising attacks abroad are two sides of the same authoritarian strategy.

Voting results

59 in favor 0 against 0 abstention