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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 6 sources tracked

Meet the anti-war candidate risking plenty to challenge Russia's ruling elite

Polina Lermant is running a long-shot campaign for the Russian parliament, distributing flyers that urge citizens to "vote for peace." Her campaign occurs as parliamentary elections begin on Friday, September 19, 2026. Lermant's bid coincides with a broader trend of veterans from the Ukraine conflict seeking seats in parliament. While the elections are viewed by some as lacking excitement, there is underlying public fear regarding the potential aftermath of the vote and the stability of the current administration.

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  • ✓ Parliamentary elections in Russia begin on Friday.
  • ✓ Polina Lermant is running for a seat in the Russian parliament.
  • ✓ Veterans of the war in Ukraine are running for parliament.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 6 independent reporting domains (80% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Polina Lermant began distributing peace-focused campaign materials in Moscow ahead of the Friday election start.

Live updates

  1. Anti-war candidate Polina Lermant challenges Russian ruling elite

    Polina Lermant is running a long-shot campaign for the Russian parliament, distributing flyers that urge citizens to "vote for peace." Her campaign occurs as parliamentary elections begin on Friday, September 19, 2026. Lermant's bid coincides with a broader trend of veterans from the Ukraine conflict seeking seats in parliament. While the elections are viewed by some as lacking excitement, there is underlying public fear regarding the potential aftermath of the vote and the stability of the current administration.

    Why it matters

    Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine while maintaining a tightly controlled political system. The emergence of anti-war candidates and veterans in the electoral process signals a potential shift in domestic opposition. These developments occur against a backdrop of international scrutiny regarding the legitimacy of Putin's democratic processes.

    What is confirmed

    • Parliamentary elections in Russia begin on Friday.
    • Polina Lermant is running for a seat in the Russian parliament.
    • Veterans of the war in Ukraine are running for parliament.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Vladimir Putin could be a casualty of his own war.
    • Russian citizens fear the consequences following the upcoming election.

    What to watch next

    • Official results of the parliamentary election
    • Reports of state interference or arrests of anti-war candidates
    • Changes in the number of veterans successfully winning seats
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. AP News — In wartime Russia, veterans who fought in Ukraine are running for parliament
    2. The Guardian — To understand the threat to our real democracy, watch Putin’s fake one | Rafael Behr
    3. The Times — Putin could be next casualty of his own war
    4. The New York Times — The Election May Be a Snoozefest, but Russians Fear What Could Follow
    5. Reuters — Russian anti-war candidate puts fears aside to mount long-shot bid for parliament
    6. www.straitstimes.com — Meet the anti-war candidate risking plenty to challenge Russia's ruling elite
    confidence 80%
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