Russia holds parliamentary elections during ongoing Ukraine war

Russia held a three-day parliamentary election this week while its military campaign in Ukraine continues. The vote was for the State Duma, the lower house of parliament. United Russia, the party that supports President Putin, was expected to keep its large majority.

The government removed one party from the ballot because it had criticised the war. Several politicians who opposed the war were put in prison or left the country before the election. Authorities also increased their control over the voting process compared to previous elections.

Putin said the election showed that Russians support the military operation. Earlier polls suggested that most Russians did approve of the government's actions in Ukraine. This was the first parliamentary election held during active warfare since the invasion began in February 2022.