With United Russia’s Election Victory All But Certain, Some Russians Are Still Pushing Back
- Russians go to the polls this weekend for Duma elections, though independent candidates were squeezed out of registration long ago. The process leaves no place for opposition, ensuring dissident voices remain unheard amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Economic growth has stalled to roughly 1.3% for 2026, splitting Russia into an expanding military-industrial sector and a stagnating civilian economy. State liquid assets dropped from $113.5 billion before the 2022 invasion to $50 billion.
- The Levada Center's August survey found 76% of Russians approved of Vladimir Putin's performance, though his rating dipped below 80% for the first time since the invasion. Separately, 55% said petrol shortages complicated their lives, with 32% reporting serious disruption.
- Kyiv has hit closer to 50% of Russia's oil refining sites, forcing the Kremlin to manage $165,000 compensation costs for soldiers killed in action. Oil price hikes provide a daily bonus of up to $150 million, yet financial strain persists.
- Donald Trump has hamstrung Ukraine's efforts to combat Vladimir Putin's war, complicating the battlefield landscape. With independent candidates like Boris Nadezhdin excluded from registration since his 2024 campaign, the upcoming Duma session appears set to maintain the status quo without dissenting voices.
16 Articles
16 Articles
In Russia, the election result is easy to guess. Much else there is uncertain.
Russians are voting in parliamentary elections this weekend but, in contrast to the many uncertainties of life in today’s Russia, the outcome — in favoring the governing party, United Russia — is assured.
With United Russia’s Election Victory All But Certain, Some Russians Are Still Pushing Back
Across Russia, the outcome of this weekend’s State Duma elections seems like a foregone conclusion: a sweep for the ruling United Russia party and its allies.
Parliament does not play a role in Russia, and the election is a farce. Nevertheless, it is a stress test for the regime.
Lack of fuel, drone attacks and fear of further mobilization: War fatigue is growing in Russia. At the beginning of the three-day parliamentary election, consent to peace negotiations with Ukraine is increasing.
Unsuspended elections are held in Russia from Friday to Sunday. The majority of united Russia, Vladimir Putin's party, should be re-elected to the Duma. The opposition has been rejected. A "result played ahead" before a possible new wave of mobilization for the war in Ukraine. Interview with specialist Tatiana Kastuéva-Jean.
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- 40% of the sources lean Right
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