PACE declares new Russian State Duma illegitimate

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) unanimously adopted a resolution refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the new Russian State Duma. The decision was supported by 59 members.

The resolution condemns the forced participation of Ukrainian citizens in Russian-organized sham elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. PACE calls for immediate sanctions against members of Russia’s Central Election Commission involved in organizing the illegal voting.

The resolution also calls for restrictions on tourist visas for Russian citizens, increased political and financial support for Ukraine, and the use of frozen Russian assets to finance assistance to Ukraine.

PACE’s decision is advisory and does not itself impose sanctions or visa restrictions. Its practical implementation will depend on further decisions by Council of Europe member states.