Final Day of Parliamentary Voting in Russia Amid Drone and Cyber Attacks

As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, the third and final day of voting for Russia’s parliamentary elections concluded on Sunday. The United Russia party, backed by President Vladimir Putin, is expected to secure a majority among the 450 seats. Sergey Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, reported that the Russian air defense system shot down over 1,600 drones, with approximately 450 targeting Moscow.

The final day of voting in Russia’s parliamentary elections saw continued dominance expected for the ruling United Russia party, which has won every parliamentary election since 2003. Prior to the election, Russia’s Supreme Court banned the anti-war Yabloko party from participating in the federal list portion of the elections.

Other major parties in the elections have voiced support for Putin and the ongoing military operation in Ukraine. Nevertheless, some Yabloko candidates remain in the race, competing in single-mandate constituencies. This election marks Russia’s first parliamentary vote since the start of the military campaign in Ukraine in 2022 and is seen as an indicator of Russian public sentiment about the war.

Putin urged Russian citizens to actively participate in the elections, framing it as a demonstration of support for the Russian military and a response to those seeking to weaken the nation. Before the final day of voting began, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin noted that the Russian air defense system had downed more than 1,600 drones, describing the attacks as attempts to disrupt the election process. Voting for the 450 seats in Russia’s lower house, the State Duma, will continue until 18 GMT on Sunday evening.