Russia eyes possible martial law as Duma elections approach

Russia is preparing for State Duma elections slated for September 2026, which analysts say will be the most important test of the regime’s stability since the war in Ukraine began. The elections are expected to produce a pre‑determined outcome, with the ruling United Russia party retaining a constitutional majority. The Kremlin faces record low public trust, mounting pressure from security services, and a deepening economic crisis marked by budget deficits and a fuel‑market downturn.

At the same time, senior officials are reportedly discussing the introduction of martial law or elements of it after the election, which would require a presidential decree from Vladimir Putin. Proposed measures aim to enable fuller state mobilisation for the war in Ukraine and to tighten control over the armed forces and civil registry data. The move could bypass current limits on the war’s impact on everyday life, signalling a shift toward more overt authoritarian governance.