Russia Begins Three-Day Parliamentary Elections Amid Ukraine War
Summary
Russia has begun three-day parliamentary elections in which Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party is expected to win easily amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The vote is being closely watched as a measure of public support for the Kremlin’s military campaign and will run until Sunday.
Key Points
- Russia’s first parliamentary election since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 is underway and will last three days.
- Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party is widely expected to win, with only pro-Kremlin parties registered.
- The Kremlin views the vote as a test of public support for the Ukraine war.
- Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian forces destroyed dozens of Ukrainian drones headed toward the capital.
