United Russia retains majority in first election since 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The party won 57.83% of votes, securing 355 out of 450 seats in the Duma. The election followed a period of intense conflict and crackdown on dissent.
The election took place amid Ukrainian drone attacks and a crackdown on anti-war opposition. Yabloko, the only opposition party, was banned from the ballot after being removed by the Supreme Court. The new Duma is expected to remain pro-Kremlin.
The results consolidate Putin's grip on power, with 49 Ukraine war veterans elected to parliament. The election comes as Russia faces questions about the future of its military campaign in Ukraine. The Kremlin has ruled out another wave of mobilisation.
The election is seen as a setback for Russian democracy, with Western officials calling it a 'sham' and criticizing the Kremlin for silencing dissent and excluding international election monitors.