Russia's ruling party, United Russia, has won a large majority in parliamentary elections, with 57.8% of the vote, as the country continues its conflict with Ukraine. The elections, which took place on Sunday, were marked by cyberattacks and drone attacks from Ukraine, which Moscow has promised to retaliate against. The party's victory was expected, as no opposition parties were allowed to run against the conflict.
The elections were held in a tense social context, with Russia facing Western economic sanctions, regular Ukrainian strikes, fuel shortages, and internet limitations in several regions. The voting took place in Russia and in Ukrainian territories occupied and annexed by Russia. According to official results, United Russia is poised to maintain its two-thirds majority in the State Duma, allowing it to amend the constitution.
The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) came in second with 13.7% of the vote, followed by the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) with 8.7%. Only parties that support Vladimir Putin and the conflict in Ukraine were allowed to run, with the only party opposed to the war, Yabloko, being barred from participating. The election commission reported over 1,000 waves of cyberattacks aimed at saturating the electronic voting system.
Ukrainian drone attacks caused damage and casualties in Russia, including a strike on a Moscow refinery, which was described as "unprecedented" and "clearly planned to disrupt the elections." In response, Russia's defense ministry vowed to continue and intensify its strikes on military targets in Kiev. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Ukrainian strikes had a significant impact on the Moscow region.
The international community has criticized the elections, with the European Union denouncing them as taking place in a climate of "systemic and institutionalized repression." In Berlin and London, Russian exiles and Ukrainians held protests against the Russian government and the conflict. The US has also expressed concerns about the elections, with President Joe Biden urging Zelensky to cease Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
The elections were also marked by concerns about voting irregularities and repression of dissent in Russia. Vitali Ivanov, a 63-year-old retiree, said he voted for the Communist Party, citing economic concerns. In contrast, Igor Safronov, a 30-year-old programmer, voted for the New People party, saying he did not want to support United Russia.
The results of the elections are set to be officially announced on Monday, with the election commission expected to confirm United Russia's victory. The party's win is likely to cement Putin's grip on power in Russia, as the country continues to navigate its complex relationship with Ukraine and the West.
Key points
- United Russia wins 57.8% of the vote in parliamentary elections.
- Elections marked by cyberattacks and drone attacks from Ukraine.
- Result expected to cement Putin's grip on power in Russia.
