Key Developments
On 25 September 2026, HM Government said the UK, Canada, Iceland and Norway condemned Russia at the OSCE for failing to meet its commitments, citing political repression and Duma voting held in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Key Statistics
- Historical: HM Government cited 31 reported cases of enforced disappearances in Ukraine.
- Historical: HM Government cited 20 survivors interviewed in relation to enforced disappearances.
- Historical: HM Government cited 7 documented civilian arrests.
Main Body
On 25 September 2026, HM Government said the UK, Canada, Iceland and Norway had condemned Russia at the OSCE for failing to uphold its commitments. The statement cited Duma elections marked by political repression and voting held in occupied Ukrainian territories.
According to HM Government, the four governments said Russia’s actions violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and called on Moscow to end its aggression and domestic repression. The statement used the OSCE forum to link Russia’s conduct inside its own political system with its actions in Ukrainian territory.
The position followed a related OSCE statement on 17 September 2026, when HM Government said the UK, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway had condemned enforced disappearances in Ukraine. That earlier statement cited 31 reported cases, 20 survivor interviews and 7 documented civilian arrests, according to HM Government.
The development mattered because, according to HM Government, the governments treated election conduct, occupation policy and repression as connected breaches of OSCE commitments. The joint format also showed continued coordination among the UK and partner governments on Ukraine’s sovereignty and human rights concerns through a multilateral security body.
