MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party was leading with approximately 57.5% of votes in partial parliamentary-election results. Officials reported turnout approaching 57% despite cyberattacks and the large Ukrainian drone operation against Moscow.
Most prominent anti-war politicians were imprisoned, exiled or excluded from the ballot, while parties winning representation generally support the Kremlin on major policies. Voting in occupied Ukrainian territories was rejected as illegal by Kyiv and Western governments.
Why it matters: The result is expected to preserve Putin’s legislative control and allow the Kremlin to present the election as public approval of the Ukraine war.
