Russians face mounting economic woes due to Putin’s war on Ukraine as country goes to polls

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russia begins three-day parliamentary vote amid economic strain

   Russia has opened polls for a three-day parliamentary election that Vladimir Putin views as a test of support for the war in Ukraine. The vote occurs as citizens face mounting economic difficulties and a struggling economy. While the Kremlin seeks to cement its power, the electoral process is marked by a lack of opposition parties and incentives for e-voting. Analysts suggest the wartime economy faces long-term erosion due to high military spending and rising debt.

   Why it matters

   The election serves as a gauge of public sentiment while Putin maintains a tightening grip on domestic control. This process occurs against the backdrop of an intensifying offensive campaign in Ukraine. The outcome is widely viewed as predictable by observers.

   What is confirmed

   • Russia is conducting a three-day parliamentary election.
   • Vladimir Putin considers the election a test of support for the war in Ukraine.
   • The Russian economy is struggling and citizens are feeling economic pain.
   • There are no opposition parties running against Putin or the war in Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia's wartime economy faces long-term erosion from debt and military spending.
   • Prizes are being offered to encourage e-voting.

   What to watch next

   • Official election results and voter turnout figures
   • Kremlin response to economic indicators following the vote
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. Reuters — Russians make the best of a struggling economy before vote
   2. Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 16, 2026
   3. cnbc.com — Putin braces for election stress test as Russians ‘feel the pain’ of struggling economy
   4. The Guardian — Russians go to polls against backdrop of Ukraine war and Putin’s tightening grip
   5. The New York Times — Opinion | This Is How Putin Took Total Control
   6. CNN — Empty podiums, prizes for e-voting, no opposition: Russians head to the polls amid intensifying war in Ukraine
   7. apnews.com — Russians begin 3 days of voting in a parliamentary election set to cement the Kremlin's power
   8. The Independent — Russians face mounting economic woes due to Putin’s war on Ukraine as country goes to polls
   9. AP News — Russia’s wartime economy faces long-term erosion from debt and military spending
   10. 19FortyFive — Putin Faces An Uncertain Future When the Ukraine War Ends
   11. The Moscow Times — Putin Does Not Need an Economic Revolution – Yet
   12. GazetteXtra — Russia Election Economy
   confidence 90%