Putin announces Russian elections to include annexed Ukrainian territories

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia will conduct its autumn parliamentary elections across all territories claimed by Moscow, including the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Addressing the United Russia party congress, Putin stated that the State Duma elections, scheduled for September 18–20, will include residents of these annexed regions for the first time.

The elections will involve the selection of 225 deputies through single-member constituencies and 225 through party lists. Additionally, more than 2,200 elections are expected at national, regional, and local levels to fill approximately 20,700 seats. Putin framed the electoral process as a test of the state’s resilience against external aggression and noted that soldiers at the front would be permitted to vote.

In parallel with these political developments, Putin has reiterated claims that Russian forces are advancing within Ukraine. While independent monitors have reported increased pressure on the Russian opposition and the barring of certain candidates, Putin maintained that the country will uphold democratic principles despite difficult conditions.