Russians began voting in their first parliamentary election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with polls opening amid heightened security concerns following a significant drone attack on Moscow. The overnight assault, attributed to Ukrainian forces, involved more than 350 drones targeting the capital and nearby areas. The attack lasted around 11 hours and caused disruptions at major airports just hours before the start of the three-day voting period.

The parliamentary election, set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, is widely viewed as crucial for President Vladimir Putin and his ruling United Russia party. The party is expected to maintain its dominance in the State Duma, further solidifying Putin’s 26-year tenure in power.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of the election despite the challenging circumstances, with the war in Ukraine remaining a central topic throughout the campaign. Security measures were notably increased in Moscow and other parts of the country to prevent further disruption during the polling.

Observers note that the elections are taking place in a tightly controlled environment, with limited space for opposition voices. The government’s narrative focuses on national unity and support for the military campaign in Ukraine, which has shaped much of the public discourse leading up to the vote.

The drone attack on Moscow, one of the largest in recent months, underscored the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine as Kyiv continues to target strategic locations within Russia. The assault’s timing, coinciding with the start of the election, highlighted the ongoing tensions and security challenges facing the country.

As voting proceeds over three days, the results are expected to reinforce the current political landscape, maintaining United Russia’s strong position and further consolidating Putin’s leadership amid the war and international sanctions.