Russia's pro-Putin United Russia party secured a historic 355 seats in the Duma, maintaining its dominance and reinforcing Vladimir Putin's grip on power. The party's 57.83% victory, up from 49.8% in 2021, highlights continued support for the war in Ukraine, with 49 veterans of the conflict elected to parliament. The election, held in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, faced international criticism for its legitimacy.
The election results show United Russia retaining a resounding majority, with 57.83% of the vote, and the party securing 355 out of 450 seats. The victory comes as Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, with the Kremlin seeking to capture all of Donetsk Oblast by 2026. The election also saw the anti-war Yabloko party gain a small foothold in a regional parliament.
The election results underscore the Kremlin's control over the political process, with opposition voices silenced and international election monitors excluded. The results also highlight the ongoing military campaign, with Russia seeking to mobilize additional forces to sustain its operations in Ukraine, as Ukrainian officials warn of the need for more manpower to achieve military objectives.