Russian exiles cast votes to voice dissent to Putin and Ukraine war
Russia has concluded its first parliamentary elections held during the war in Ukraine, with the Kremlin expected to maintain total dominance. United Russia is projected to secure a record majority, which the Kremlin intends to use as evidence of public support for the ongoing conflict. The voting process was marked by the absence of opposition candidates, the use of e-voting prizes, and the inclusion of annexed regions, a move denounced by Kyiv. Despite these restrictions, some antiwar voices and Russian exiles cast votes to signal their dissent.
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- ✓ Russia conducted its first parliamentary elections during the war in Ukraine.
- ✓ The Kremlin is expected to maintain dominance in the election results.
- ✓ Russian exiles cast votes to voice dissent against Putin and the war.
- ✓ Opposition candidates were absent from the polls.
What changed
Russian parliamentary elections concluded with projections of a record majority for United Russia.
Live updates
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Kremlin dominates first wartime parliamentary elections
Russia has concluded its first parliamentary elections held during the war in Ukraine, with the Kremlin expected to maintain total dominance. United Russia is projected to secure a record majority, which the Kremlin intends to use as evidence of public support for the ongoing conflict. The voting process was marked by the absence of opposition candidates, the use of e-voting prizes, and the inclusion of annexed regions, a move denounced by Kyiv. Despite these restrictions, some antiwar voices and Russian exiles cast votes to signal their dissent.
Why it matters
These elections serve as a test of domestic support for Vladimir Putin's military strategy in Ukraine. Control over parliament allows the Kremlin to solidify legal and financial backing for the war effort. The exclusion of opposition parties ensures that the results reflect the current administration's preferences.
What is confirmed
- Russia conducted its first parliamentary elections during the war in Ukraine.
- The Kremlin is expected to maintain dominance in the election results.
- Russian exiles cast votes to voice dissent against Putin and the war.
- Opposition candidates were absent from the polls.
Still unconfirmed
- United Russia is projected to achieve a record majority.
- Kyiv denounced the inclusion of annexed regions in the parliamentary elections.
What to watch next
- Official certification of the final vote counts
- International reactions to the projected record majority for United Russia
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- CNN — Empty podiums, prizes for e-voting, no opposition: Russians head to the polls amid intensifying war in Ukraine
- theguardian.com — Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv denounces Russia’s inclusion of annexed regions in parliamentary elections
- Reuters — Russian election, cast as test of support for Ukraine war, enters final day
- The New York Times — Russia Barred Their Party, but These Antiwar Voices Are Still Standing
- Reuters — Russian exiles cast votes to voice dissent to Putin and Ukraine war
- Euronews.com — Russians vote in final day of parliamentary elections
- CNN — Polls close in Russian vote with a near-certain outcome
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Russia wraps up first wartime parliamentary election with Kremlin dominance all but assured
- time.com — What Russia’s Parliamentary Election Results Mean for Putin and the War
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