Russia is set to hold parliamentary elections from September 18 to 20, a tightly controlled vote viewed by the Kremlin as a key indicator of domestic support amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, now in its fifth year. These elections mark the first nationwide vote since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and follow last year’s presidential election that secured Vladimir Putin another term.

The elections will take place not only across Russia but also in areas of Ukraine currently under Russian military occupation. The ongoing war has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction in eastern Ukraine, while triggering extensive censorship and economic challenges within Russia, alongside unprecedented Western sanctions.

The Kremlin has banned critiques of the war and barred genuine opposition parties from participating, effectively ensuring a dominant victory for Putin’s United Russia party. Other parties on the ballot—all supportive of Putin and the war effort—include the Communist Party, A Just Russia, the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, and New People. The country’s main anti-war party, Yabloko, was disqualified from contesting.

Political analysts and diplomats have described the election as a managed process aimed at demonstrating political loyalty rather than offering a meaningful choice. Exiled political scientist Nikolai Petrov likened the vote to Soviet-era elections designed to showcase citizens’ allegiance, underscoring Putin’s need to reaffirm support among both the public and political elites after 26 years in power.

Half of the 450 seats in the State Duma will be allocated via proportional representation for party lists, while the remainder will be decided in single-member constituencies. Despite the apparent lack of genuine competition, Russian authorities emphasize the importance of a high voter turnout to legitimize the process.

Inside Russia, few signs point to an energized campaign, with minimal electoral advertising other than general calls from the government encouraging participation. The election occurs against a backdrop of growing war fatigue among some Russians, economic stagnation, and escalating Ukrainian counterattacks, which have recently targeted areas deep within Russian territory, inflicting damage and civilian casualties.

There has been speculation and concern that Putin might announce a new large-scale military mobilization similar to the unpopular 2022 call-up of 300,000 reservists. While Kremlin officials have denied such plans, critics both inside and outside Russia remain skeptical. Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center assesses that a new mobilization is unlikely, noting the government’s efforts to assuage public fears.

The election is widely viewed as a mechanism for President Putin to solidify his political legitimacy amid the ongoing war, with analysts suggesting the outcome is predetermined. Despite restricted political pluralism and a controlled environment, the Kremlin considers the vote an essential ritual to confirm Putin’s authority and public backing as the conflict continues to reshape Russia’s domestic and international landscape.