Russia begins wartime parliamentary election to gauge war support

Russia opened three days of voting on Friday for the State Duma, the first parliamentary election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The Kremlin frames the ballot as a referendum on public backing for the war, while critics dismiss it as neither free nor fair.

President Vladimir Putin urged citizens to vote in a televised address, saying participation would demonstrate national unity behind Russian soldiers. United Russia, the ruling party, is expected to retain its overwhelming majority alongside other parties that support Putin's policies.

“Your choice and resolve will once again demonstrate that millions of people stand behind our fighters, that we are a united people, bound by shared values, historical memory, and love for the Motherland.”

The liberal Yabloko party, the only registered opposition force opposing the war, was disqualified by the Supreme Court in August after a surge in public interest. Some Yabloko candidates remain on single-member district ballots in certain regions.

The election includes residents of four Ukrainian regions that Moscow illegally annexed, a move Kyiv condemns as illegal. Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow region on the first voting day, with the mayor reporting 350 drones launched and most intercepted.

Analysts say the Kremlin aims to legitimize the war and mobilize support amid mounting economic strain. Summer drone attacks on oil refineries and logistics hubs caused fuel crises and brought the conflict home to millions of Russians.

Pro-government pollsters FOM and VTsIOM predict United Russia will win 47–53% of the party-list vote, up from 50% in 2021. More than 70% of current lawmakers are seeking re-election. Nearly 200 military veterans are running as candidates.

Polls close Sunday at 18:00 GMT with initial results expected immediately after. The vote also covers 11 gubernatorial and 39 regional legislative elections.