September 19, 2026
Russia begins contested parliamentary vote amid war and annexations live: Kremlin fields many veterans on ballot
What we know
- Russia has started a three-day parliamentary election in regions it annexed from Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
- The election features numerous veterans on the ballot but lacks opposition candidates, with reports of empty polling stations.
- President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere in the election.
- The vote is widely viewed as an effort by the Kremlin to consolidate control over the annexed territories.
- Independent sources confirm the election is taking place amid heightened tensions and international condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Live updates
Publication times are shown in US Eastern Time and UTC. Event times are stated in the update text when confirmed.
Russia Begins Contested Parliamentary Vote Amid War and Annexations
Russia has commenced a three-day parliamentary election in regions it illegally annexed from Ukraine, amid ongoing conflict. The Kremlin has placed numerous veterans on the ballot, a move that some analysts suggest could have unintended political consequences. Voting is taking place under conditions marked by a lack of opposition candidates and reports of empty polling stations.
President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere in the election, which is widely seen as a means to solidify Kremlin control. Multiple independent sources confirm the vote is occurring amid heightened tensions and international condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
What we’ll be tracking
Why it matters
The election is widely viewed as an attempt by the Kremlin to legitimize its control over illegally annexed Ukrainian territories amid ongoing conflict.
The Kremlin's placement of veterans on the ballot may have unintended political consequences, indicating internal complexities within Russia's electoral approach.
The vote is taking place amid heightened tensions and international condemnation, reflecting the broader geopolitical conflict surrounding Russia's actions in Ukraine.