In a political system tightly controlled by the Kremlin, no electoral surprises were expected and none emerged as the results began coming in. Officials announced that United Russia, the party of power backed by Vladimir Putin, was well out in front.
Ahead of the final day of voting, a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack struck the Moscow area. Three people were killed in the Moscow region, and the Moscow oil refinery was hit.
Voters interviewed at a polling station near the refinery did not appear shocked by the attack. More than four and a half years into Russia’s war on Ukraine, their reactions suggested that Muscovites had grown accustomed to their city periodically becoming a front line. One voter said he had heard the explosions and that they had negatively affected his state of mind. Another said he wanted peace but by peace he meant Ukraine’s defeat, an aim he shares with his president.
Putin is likely to use the election results to claim that most Russians support him and the so-called special military operation. The Kremlin leader shows no sign of bringing it to an end.