Russia Holds Parliamentary Election as Ukraine War Continues

Russia began a three-day parliamentary election on Friday, September 18, 2026, with voting for the State Duma. The election takes place as the war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year. President Vladimir Putin has described the vote as a measure of public support for the war.

The election features no opposition candidates on the ballot, and officials are using electronic voting and other measures. Some Russians have expressed fear that Putin will send them to war after the election is over. The Kremlin is testing war support through the vote.