Putin party retains majority in first vote since 2022 invasion of Ukraine

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Published: 2026-09-21T10:17:53.527Z • Permanent link

Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party won a large majority in parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results published by state media Monday, in a vote held amid Ukrainian drone strikes. The elections were widely seen as a test of Putin's popularity and the effectiveness of his authoritarian grip on power. The vote was held across 85 of the 85 regions of Russia, with the participation of over 57 million citizens. The turnout was reported to be 67.6%, with voters casting ballots at over 94,000 polling stations.

State media outlets, including RIA and TASS, reported that United Russia won 49.1% of the vote, securing 324 seats in the lower house of parliament. The party's leader, Dmitry Medvedev, was quoted as saying that the victory was a "clear mandate" for Putin's policies. The results were seen as a significant victory for Putin, who has been in power since 2000 and has maintained a tight grip on Russian politics. The vote was also notable for its low turnout, with many Russians choosing to stay home or boycott the elections.

The election was widely seen as a referendum on Putin's rule and the effectiveness of his economic policies. The Russian economy has been experiencing a period of slow growth, and many Russians have been struggling with high inflation and stagnant wages. The vote was also seen as a test of Putin's ability to navigate the complexities of international relations, particularly with regards to Ukraine. The election was held amid a heightened sense of tension between Russia and the West, with many countries imposing sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.

The implications of Putin's victory are far-reaching, with significant implications for the global economy and the stability of the international system. The Russian economy is a major player in the global energy market, and a significant increase in oil prices could have a major impact on the global economy. The election also has implications for the stability of the Middle East, with many countries in the region dependent on Russian energy supplies.

The Russian government has also been using the elections as a platform to promote its economic agenda, with Medvedev outlining a plan to boost economic growth and reduce poverty. The plan includes measures such as tax cuts, increased investment in infrastructure, and support for small businesses. The plan has been widely praised by Western economists, who see it as a major step forward for the Russian economy. However, critics have warned that the plan may be too ambitious, and that it could exacerbate existing economic problems.

The Russian government has also been using the elections to promote its foreign policy agenda, with Putin outlining a plan to strengthen ties with other countries and promote Russian influence in the region. The plan includes measures such as increased investment in infrastructure, support for Russian business, and the establishment of new diplomatic missions. The plan has been widely praised by other countries, who see it as a major step forward for Russian foreign policy. However, critics have warned that the plan may be too ambitious, and that it could exacerbate existing tensions with other countries.