Updated

Russia held a three-day State Duma election from September 18-20, 2026, its first parliamentary vote since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which Putin cast as a test of support for the war. Official results gave the ruling United Russia party about 58% of the vote and a record constitutional majority of 355 seats, with the Communist Party, LDPR, New People and A Just Russia (which barely cleared the 5% threshold) also entering parliament; nearly a fifth of United Russia's new MPs are war veterans. Turnout was reported at over 59%, but independent analysts (Novaya Gazeta Europe using the Shpilkin method) estimated United Russia's real support was closer to 34%, and Kremlin insiders reportedly acknowledged the results were achieved 'through very dirty means.' The vote was marked by barred observers, opposition suppression, and irregularities: antiwar Yabloko was removed from the ballot in most regions, a pro-peace candidate briefly vanished before the vote, and reports emerged of voters being added to military conscription rolls after casting ballots online. United Russia lost in most overseas polling stations popular with anti-war emigres, and small protests, 'No war' ballot messages, and 'Noon Against Putin'-style demonstrations occurred both domestically and abroad. Drone attacks also disrupted voting in southern Russia and occupied Ukrainian territory. The EU's Kaja Kallas called the vote a sign that only 'the veneer of democracy' remains in Russia and said Brussels would impose new sanctions over the election.