Putin casts parliamentary election as barometer of support for war, urges Russians to vote
- On Friday, September 18, 2026, Russia launched a three-day parliamentary election to renew all 450 seats in the State Duma, marking the first nationwide vote since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- President Vladimir Putin framed the election as a test of national unity, while authorities tightened control by barring anti-war candidates and removing the liberal Yabloko party from the ballot.
- With meaningful opposition excluded, the ballot features United Russia and 'systemic opposition' parties supporting government policies; authorities also jailed Yabloko's deputy chairman Lev Shlosberg and Maxim Kruglov for anti-war statements.
- Analysts expect United Russia to maintain overwhelming control of the State Duma, as the Kremlin views the election as a tool to mobilize public support for the war and legitimize its policies.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly alleged the Kremlin plans post-election mobilization, a claim Putin has dismissed as 'nonsense' amid mounting war costs and public anxiety.
372 Articles
372 Articles
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, today voted electronically from the cabinet in Moscow in the legislative elections taking place until Sunday in Russia, announced the Kremlin (presidency). In a short video, the Kremlin showed Putin in front of a computer in the office exercising his right to vote. The Russian leader rejects the use of internet [...]
Russia temporarily shuts down polling stations in Sochi spa town for drone attack
Russian elections: why though?
Why does Vladimir Putin even bother with elections? It’s a fair question to ask as Russia goes to the polls this weekend for nationwide local and parliamentary votes in which the outcome is certain. The ruling United Russia party, closely associated with Putin himself, polls at nearly 40%. Its closest competitors, a small handful of occasionally cantankerous but thoroughly co-opted opposition parties, trail far behind at 10% to13%. A recent stud…
Many Russians want an end to the Ukraine war. But the only party that stands for peace must not take part in the Duma elections, and the Kremlin-faithful system parties outdo each other in restraint.
Russians have already begun voting in parliamentary elections that are held until Sunday and in which even parties loyal to the Kremlin recognize irregularities
Russia is holding elections to the State Duma in the midst of an extended war and a semi-determinated result, while the Kremlin is seeking to strengthen its legitimacy and control the voting process, amid internal concern over a new mobilization and what may follow as a result of the vote.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
