Russia prepares for first parliamentary election since the Ukraine war began amid deepening public anxiety
Russia is set to hold parliamentary elections on September 18-20, 2026, its first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory and Russian escalation of air attacks on Ukrainian cities have heightened public anxiety, with state pollster FOM reporting sustained high anxiety levels since late April. The ruling United Russia party is expected to retain dominance in a tightly managed political system, but the Kremlin is monitoring turnout as a gauge of war fatigue.
- Reutersfirst
- Globe and Mail+18 min
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“As Russia prepares for first parliamentary election since war began, anxiety over conflict deepens”
“As Russians prepare to vote, anxiety over the war deepens - Reuters”