Story perspectives

United Russia projected to keep two-thirds State Duma majority

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 5:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Russia held a three-day parliamentary election from 18 to 20 September 2026 across the country and occupied Ukrainian territories.
United Russia, linked to President Vladimir Putin, is projected to keep its two-thirds supermajority in the 450-seat State Duma.
The Supreme Court barred the liberal Yabloko party from the ballot, limiting anti-war participation.
Voting also took place in Russia-controlled Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea, which Kyiv says breaches international law.

History

Historical Context

After Ukraine’s 2014 Revolution of Dignity, Russian forces seized Crimea in February, held a March 16 referendum reporting 96.77% support, and incorporated the peninsula on March 18, a move the UN General Assembly condemned. Since then Russia has regularly placed occupied territories on its ballots; the 2026 three-day election now adds Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson alongside Crimea, reinforcing United Russia’s dominance.

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Story summary

Russia held a three-day parliamentary election from 18 to 20 September 2026 across the country and occupied Ukrainian territories.
United Russia, linked to President Vladimir Putin, is projected to keep its two-thirds supermajority in the 450-seat State Duma.
The Supreme Court barred the liberal Yabloko party from the ballot, limiting anti-war participation.
Voting also took place in Russia-controlled Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea, which Kyiv says breaches international law.

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