Ukraine launches drone barrage as Russia holds first post‑invasion parliamentary election

Russia’s first parliamentary election since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine began on Saturday, marking the first nationwide vote in which no party explicitly opposing the war appears on the ballot. The State Duma race features the United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, alongside a handful of other pro‑government and “systemic” parties that have not challenged the Kremlin’s foreign‑policy stance. Election officials confirmed that the ballot includes only parties that have passed a stringent registration process, a procedure that has barred several opposition groups, including those that have campaigned against the war.

International observers and human‑rights organizations have noted the absence of anti‑war representation as indicative of a broader crackdown on dissent, citing recent legal actions that have dissolved or barred parties deemed hostile to the state. The Kremlin has defended the electoral framework as lawful and necessary for stability, while critics argue that the limited choice undermines the legitimacy of the legislative body. The vote, which will determine the composition of the 450‑seat Duma for the next five years, is expected to reinforce United Russia’s dominance and solidify the current political direction amid ongoing sanctions and diplomatic pressure.