United Russia secures constitutional majority in parliamentary elections

The United Russia party, led by President Vladimir Putin, has secured a record-breaking victory in the Russian State Duma elections. With over 95% of the votes counted, the party garnered 57.83% of the vote—a significant increase from the 49.8% achieved in 2021—and is expected to occupy 355 out of 450 seats, granting it a constitutional majority. The liberal Yabloko party, which opposes the war in Ukraine, failed to secure significant representation, managing only a single seat in a regional parliament after many of its candidates were excluded from the ballot.

The elections were conducted under a heavily controlled political system that effectively silenced dissent. While analysts noted that the outcome was widely expected, the result provides Putin with a strong mandate to continue his policies amidst the protracted war in Ukraine. The conflict has caused increasing strain within Russia, highlighted by recent escalations in Ukrainian drone strikes against domestic infrastructure and oil refineries, which have disrupted supply chains and contributed to fuel shortages.

After more than 25 years in power as either president or prime minister, Putin faces a domestic environment where the war’s impact is becoming increasingly visible to the public. While civilian casualties in Russia remain lower than in Ukraine, they have risen steadily throughout the year, compounding the political and economic challenges facing the administration as it continues its military campaign.