Russia votes in parliamentary election as war in Ukraine drags on

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Published: 2026-09-18T05:54:14.478Z • Permanent link

Polls opened on Friday in Russia's Far East, marking the beginning of three days of voting for the country's parliamentary election. The election is the first since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February, and it is expected to see a significant turnout. According to a recent survey by the Levada Center, a Russian independent polling organization, 63% of respondents said they would vote for the United Russia party, which has dominated Russian politics for decades. The party is led by Vladimir Putin, who is widely expected to remain in power despite the ongoing war.

The Kremlin's main party, United Russia, is poised to keep its grip on power, with many analysts predicting a landslide victory. The party has been accused of using its control over state media and propaganda to sway public opinion in its favor. The election is also expected to see a strong turnout from Russian citizens living abroad, who are eager to exercise their right to vote in a country that has been embroiled in conflict for months. According to data from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 10 million Russian citizens live outside of the country, and many of them are expected to cast their ballots in the coming days.

Meanwhile, international observers are monitoring the election closely, with many expressing concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has sent a team of observers to Russia to monitor the election and report on any irregularities. The OSCE has warned that the election may be affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has led to a significant escalation of tensions between Russia and the West.

The outcome of the parliamentary election has significant implications for the global economy, particularly in the energy sector. Russia is the world's largest exporter of natural gas, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant disruption in global energy supplies. The election could see a shift in Russia's energy policies, with some analysts predicting that the country may seek to reduce its dependence on European markets and increase its exports to other regions. This could have significant implications for companies that rely on Russian energy imports, such as those in the European Union.

The election also has implications for the research community, which has been closely monitoring the conflict in Ukraine and its impact on the global economy. Researchers at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been warning about the potential risks of a prolonged conflict, which could lead to a significant decline in global economic growth. The election could see a shift in Russia's economic policies, with some analysts predicting that the country may seek to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil and gas exports.

The parliamentary election in Russia takes place against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant escalation of tensions between Russia and the West, and has had a significant impact on global markets. The conflict has also led to a significant shift in the global balance of power, with the United States and its allies seeking to counter Russia's military expansion in Eastern Europe. This has led to a significant increase in military spending and a shift in the global security landscape.