The SBU has warned of punishment for participating in Russia's sham elections
The Security Service of Ukraine has called on residents of the temporarily occupied territories not to participate in the sham vote that Russia plans to hold on September 18–20, and has warned of criminal liability for aiding the occupiers.
According to the security service, the occupation administrations, acting on instructions from Moscow, are attempting to involve Ukrainians in these sham elections to create the appearance of support for Russian political forces and to legitimize their presence.
Under Part 5 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, participation in the organization and conduct of illegal voting is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. The SBU has called on citizens to ignore the occupiers’ activities and to report individuals who are assisting in the preparation of this illegal vote.
This was reported by the SBU.
Russia is preparing to hold illegal “elections” to the State Duma in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Voting is scheduled for September 18–20, 2026.
Russia plans to rig the so-called State Duma “elections” in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, ensuring a voter turnout of over 65–70% and at least 70% support for the “United Russia” party.
