Russians began voting on Friday in three days of parliamentary elections to choose the 450 members of the State Duma, after a campaign with little public debate or television coverage. More than four years into the war in Ukraine, candidates have also had few opportunities to challenge Kremlin policies.
For the first time since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia is electing a new parliament. The opposition is not allowed. Kremlin leader Putin expects his war course to be confirmed.