The actions of Russia within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine are illegal, and thefore the results of the elections will not be recognized, the parliamentarians said.
In a statement, the Saeima strongly condemns Russia's imperialist actions and its current aggression against Ukraine and demands that the Russian government end the subjection of political prisoners to any form of torture, respects the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment, cancels all groundless accusations and immediately and unconditionally releases all political prisoners.
The Saeima reiterated that the European Union, its member states and allies around the world must continue to provide Ukraine with comprehensive support, including political, economic, financial and military assistance, as well as support for civil society and the reconstruction of the country.
Deputies believe that the presidential elections in Russia itself will be neither free nor fair, as the opposition and independent media are suppressed, there is no credible political competition, and there is no presence of independent international observers, thus the elections lack any democratic legitimacy.
MPs emphasized that today's Russia is ruled by an authoritarian regime and recall that its government is responsible for severe human rights violations and political repression, including the recent death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
The statement was supported by 76 votes to 0, though members of the opposition 'Stability!' party plus Juris Jakovins of the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) that is part of the ruling coalition recorded 'no vote' on the relevant motion according to the Saeima voting list.
Later on Thursday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it condemns the holding of Russian presidential "elections" also in the Transnistrian region of Moldova as well as in the occupied regions of Georgia – Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
"Latvia reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova and Georgia within their internationally recognised borders," the MFA said.
Latvia has already expressed its position concerning the illegitimate organisation of Russia’s presidential election in the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.
