Putin says Ukraine interfering in Russian parliamentary election

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1. 1h ago

   Putin Claims Ukraine Interferes in Russian Vote

   Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Ukraine is interfering in the Russian parliamentary election. Voting spans three days to select State Duma deputies, with the final day currently underway. Turnout reached 45 percent by 7:30 Moscow time according to the Central Election Commission. The election takes place amid the intensifying war in Ukraine, with the ongoing conflict serving as a backdrop to the polls. Anti-war opposition figures have been squeezed out, leaving empty podiums and no meaningful opposition while the Kremlin seeks to cement its power.

   Why it matters

   The parliamentary elections are being held across Russia, including in areas seized from Ukraine during the war. Autocrats carefully manage such processes to gauge and manufacture domestic support, treating the exercise as a test of backing for official policies. The contest unfolds against severe domestic suppression, highlighted by the arrest of an election observer from the Yabloko party.

   What is confirmed

   • The third and final day of voting in the elections of State Duma deputies is underway in Russia.
   • Total voter turnout reached 45 percent at 7:30 Moscow time according to the Central Election Commission.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A Russian election observer lost consciousness during an arrest by police, according to the liberal opposition Yabloko party.

   What to watch next

   • Final turnout figures and official election results from the Central Election Commission.
   • Further reports on opposition protests or detentions related to the voting process.
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 16, 2026
   2. CNN — Empty podiums, prizes for e-voting, no opposition: Russians head to the polls amid intensifying war in Ukraine
   3. The New York Times — Why Autocrats Care What People Think
   4. apnews.com — Russians begin 3 days of voting in a parliamentary election set to cement the Kremlin's power
   5. Reuters — Putin says Ukraine interfering in Russian parliamentary election
   6. AP News — Russian holds parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine in the war
   7. The Times of India — Putin tightens grip on Russian elections with anti-war opposition squeezed out
   8. www.globalbankingandfinance.com — Russian election, cast as test of support for Ukraine war, enters final day
   9. www.bastillepost.com — Russian election observer loses consciousness during arrest by police, opposition party says
   10. eadaily.com — Igor Levitas about the elections: And these people forbid us to pick our noses?
   11. today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd — Putin says Ukraine interfering in Russian parliamentary election
   confidence 90%