Bulgaria Denounces Russian Presidential Elections in Occupied Ukrainian Territories

Bulgaria has taken a firm stance against the recent Russian presidential elections held in the illegally occupied territories of Ukraine, including Transnistria, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. In a statement released on social media, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong condemnation of these elections.

The ministry emphasized Bulgaria's unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia within their internationally recognized borders and territorial waters. The statement underscores Bulgaria's commitment to upholding the principles of international law and respecting the sovereignty of these nations.

Accompanying the ministry's publication is a statement from the High Representative on behalf of the European Union (EU), inclusive of Bulgaria, addressing the Russian presidential elections and their illegitimacy within Ukrainian territory.

Bulgaria's denouncement adds to the chorus of international voices expressing concern over the implications of holding elections in disputed territories.

Here is the full statement:

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"The presidential elections held by Russia on March 15-17 took place in a highly restricted environment, exacerbated by Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

Russian authorities continued to intensify systemic internal repression by cracking down on opposition politicians, civil society organizations, independent media and other critical voices through repressive legislation and politically motivated prison sentences. The shocking death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny on the eve of the election is another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression. The election took place in an...