Russia’s ruling United Russia party secured a record supermajority in parliamentary elections held over three days last week, solidifying President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power amid an intensifying conflict with Ukraine. Official results announced by the Central Election Commission showed United Russia winning 355 of the 450 seats in the State Duma, an increase from its previous standing and enough to amend the constitution if desired.
The elections, the first since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, were conducted under tightly controlled conditions, with genuine opposition parties marginalized or excluded. The only registered anti-war party, Yabloko, was removed from the ballot after gaining notable support, while leading opposition figures remain imprisoned or have died in custody. Several parties considered part of the “systemic opposition,” including the Communist Party, Liberal Democratic Party, New People, and A Just Russia — all supportive of the Kremlin’s policies — passed the electoral threshold, together accounting for the remaining seats.
According to Kremlin officials, the election outcome demonstrated widespread societal consolidation around Putin’s leadership. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the results as indicative of high unity within Russia. However, critics and international observers characterized the elections as largely orchestrated, citing constraints on dissent, restricted media freedom, reports of ballot irregularities, and coercion of public sector workers. Turnout was officially reported at approximately 59 percent.
Voting included participation in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, where ballots were cast under the watch of armed personnel, further underscoring Russia’s disputed control in these areas. Electronic voting methods also drew skepticism, with opposition figures warning they increase possibilities for manipulation.
The vote took place against the backdrop of escalating military tensions. On the election’s final day, Ukraine launched a significant drone assault against Moscow, involving over 1,600 drones, with around 450 targeting the capital and its surrounding region. The attack caused fires at an oil refinery and residential buildings, killing two to three people and prompting evacuations. Russian officials reported shooting down hundreds of drones, describing the offensive as an attempt to disrupt the electoral process. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the strikes as impactful and part of retaliatory measures against Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
The Russian Defence Ministry condemned Ukraine’s attacks on civilian targets and vowed to intensify precision strikes on Kyiv, while Ukrainian forces accused Russian forces of continuing aggression against populated areas. Both sides have suffered heavy casualties and civilian losses since the conflict began.
Amid the vote, Russia’s opposition held limited protests abroad, including demonstrations outside Russian embassies in European capitals. The European Union’s foreign policy chief condemned the election as a façade of democracy, highlighting the exclusion of opposition voices and suppression of dissent.
Observers note that the election results may provide Putin with a mandate to proceed with further military mobilisation or policy decisions concerning the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence sources have warned of possible plans for additional troop recruitment following the election. Meanwhile, domestic dissatisfaction in Russia reportedly grows due to economic pressures, increased military risks including drone attacks, and everyday hardships linked to the conflict’s prolongation.