Statement of the MFA of Ukraine on holding elections in the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol

On September 8, 2024, the russian federation is holding a Single voting day, during which it organizes elections for local authorities of the russian federation’s entities at various levels. russia is once again trying to extend this process to the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The so-called "elections" in the russian federation long ago turned into a farce, have nothing to do with the manifestation of people's power, and their holding in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in violation of the norms and principles of international law actually delegitimizes russia's political system.

Once again, we emphasize that results of the so-called "elections" on the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol are null and void, and the "elections" themselves are illegitimate.

We also draw attention of our international partners to the fact that the representatives of the russian occupation forces operating in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including those who are "elected" during the so-called "elections", are not empowered by the Ukrainian side to represent Ukraine’s authorities at any level, and their participation in the russian federation’s delegations at international events cannot not produce any legal effect.

We emphasize, that all those involved in the preparation and holding of the so-called "elections" in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine will be held to account in accordance with the current legislation of Ukraine.