The European Parliament refused to recognize the results of the presidential election in Russia and called on EU member states to limit relations with Putin, DW reports.

In a resolution adopted on Thursday, April 25, by 493 votes, MEPs called the presidential election in Russia a "farce". They call on EU member states and the international community not to recognize the results, as they were held, in particular, "on the occupied territories of Ukraine, and in Russia they were neither free nor fair."

The European Parliament believes that the elections were an "imitation of the process of expression of will" to legitimize Putin's continued power, internal repression and war in Ukraine.

"During these so-called elections, there were no alternative candidates, no free media, no independent observers, no political freedoms. Accordingly, the so-called elections are illegitimate and undemocratic," the resolution says. 

In addition, MEPs believe that relations with Russia can be maintained only on issues that are necessary for regional security or related to humanitarian goals and human rights protection, such as the exchange of prisoners, the release of political prisoners or the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.

"Members of the European Parliament call on the EU and its Member States to continue to actively support independent Russian civil society organizations, independent media and human rights defenders and to actively engage with and offer support to the Russian democratic opposition," the resolution says.

It also complained that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban "deviated from the EU's common line and congratulated Putin on his victory."

It should be noted that European Parliament resolutions express its position on a particular issue and are not binding.