Russia holds parliamentary elections amidst ongoing war in Ukraine

Russia is set to hold parliamentary elections from September 18 to 20, 2026, marking the first such vote since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Voters will elect 450 members to the State Duma for a five-year term, with 225 seats decided by party lists and 225 by single-member districts. The ruling United Russia party, which currently holds 310 seats, is widely expected to maintain its dominant majority. Voting will also occur in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.

Political observers and reports indicate that while the Kremlin views the election as a public opinion barometer regarding the five-year-long war, there is no genuine opposition on the ballot. With criticism of the conflict effectively banned, the election is seen as largely predetermined. Public fatigue over economic stagnation and the intensity of the war has raised concerns among some observers that President Vladimir Putin may order a new wave of military mobilization following the conclusion of the voting process. To maintain an enhanced majority capable of passing constitutional changes, United Russia aims to secure at least 300 seats in the lower house.