https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russians-go-to-polls-against-backdrop-of-ukraine-war-and-putin-s-tightening-gripContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russians-go-to-polls-against-backdrop-of-ukraine-war-and-putin-s-tightening-griphttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russians-go-to-polls-against-backdrop-of-ukraine-war-and-putin-s-tightening-grip#u75907Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:45:58 +0000Russians began voting Friday in a three-day parliamentary election designed to cement the Kremlin's power and show backing for President Vladimir Putin's grinding war in Ukraine. The contest features no antiwar party on the ballot and no genuine opposition, leaving empty podiums and offering voters few options. The stage-managed vote takes place as Ukraine fires a drone barrage against Russia. While some observers dismiss the process as a sham, others view it as an opportunity to strengthen nationalism under Putin's tightening grip.Why it mattersThis is the first State Duma parl