**Putin's United Russia Party Secures Record Majority in Duma Elections Amid International Condemnation**
*Published on 21/09/2026 - 21:17 GMT+2*
In a tightly controlled electoral process, President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party has achieved a historic supermajority in the State Duma, securing 355 out of 450 seats, according to preliminary results released by the Central Election Commission. This marks an increase from the party's previous record of 343 seats obtained in the 2016 elections. The results come amidst significant international scrutiny and condemnation, particularly regarding the voting that took place in occupied territories of Ukraine.
The elections, held over three days from September 18 to 20, were the first parliamentary elections since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The voting process has been criticized for excluding parties that oppose the Kremlin or express dissent regarding the war. Notably, the Yabloko party, which has called for an end to the conflict, was barred from participating in the national elections, although it was allowed to contest some regional votes.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized the results as indicative of a high level of societal consolidation around the state leadership. "These indicators, of course, point to the highest level of consolidation within Russian society around the head of state," he stated. The Communist Party followed United Russia with 40 seats, while the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) secured 25 seats, and the New People party obtained 20. A Just Russia managed to win only four seats.
The voter turnout was reported to be over 59%, according to Central Election Commission chief Ella Pamfilova. However, the legitimacy of the turnout and the election process itself has been called into question by various international bodies.
The elections were marred by violence, as a Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow on the final day of polling resulted in the deaths of two individuals and caused significant damage, including a fire at an oil refinery. The Russian defense ministry accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the electoral process and vowed to escalate military actions against Kyiv in response.
In light of the elections, the European Union has condemned the voting in occupied Ukrainian territories, declaring it illegal. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the Kremlin has effectively silenced dissent and excluded international election observers, describing the elections as a "veneer of democracy." The EU has announced plans to impose sanctions on individuals involved in organizing the elections or running as candidates in these occupied regions.
A joint statement from five Western nations, including Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, condemned the elections as a "gross violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty and international law. They emphasized that the vote could not alter the status of the territories under occupation. "These sham elections are part of a wider system of occupation," the statement read, highlighting the imposition of Russian governance, law, and culture in these regions.
Ukraine's foreign ministry labeled the elections in occupied areas as a "farce," asserting that the results would not be recognized. The international community's response underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding Russia's actions in Ukraine and the broader implications for international law and sovereignty.
In a rare electoral outcome, the Yabloko party managed to secure over six percent of the vote in the Novgorod region, allowing it to enter the regional parliament, showcasing a glimmer of opposition within the heavily controlled political landscape.
The elections reflect a political environment in Russia where dissent is increasingly stifled, with many of Putin's political opponents either imprisoned, exiled, or deceased. Notably, Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of the Kremlin, died in prison in 2024, further consolidating Putin's grip on power.
As final results are expected later this week, the implications of this electoral outcome will likely resonate beyond Russia's borders, influencing international relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.