Putin Calls Voting in Duma Election a 'Contribution to Russia's Victory'

The address, announced in advance by Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov, who described it as a traditional message to citizens, was broadcast ahead of voting on 18–20 September for the State Duma, the legislatures of 39 regions and the heads of eight regions.

Putin said the elections were being held in strict accordance with the law and within the established deadlines. According to him, voting will for the first time take place in territories he described as "new" — in the Donbas and Novorossiya. The Russian president also said that military personnel engaged in what he called difficult combat work would take part in the elections.

Putin urged Russians to exercise their constitutional right and vote. He called this a responsible act and a shared contribution to Russia's victory. In his view, the most competent candidates and true patriots, ready to defend the country from any threats, would win the election.

In the address, Putin said that taking part in the elections would be an answer to those who want to weaken Russia, hold back its development and deprive it of sovereignty. "No one will succeed in splitting and intimidating us, in undermining our statehood and our social and political system," he said.

Early voting is already under way in Russian regions bordering Ukraine and in occupied territories of Ukraine.

The Belgorod publication Pepel reported preparations for the first ballot-stuffing in the Belgorod region. Shortly before the vote, the Supreme Court removed the Yabloko party — the only anti-war party on the ballot — from the elections. Candidates from the party are facing criminal and administrative prosecution, Current Time reports.

The Anti-War Committee of Russia issued a statement saying that what is happening in Russia in September cannot be called elections in the full sense. At the same time, the committee welcomed the desire of citizens to use even the limited possibilities for political action and to take part in the vote.

Central Election Commission head Ella Pamfilova has said that more than 1,600 participants in the war against Ukraine have been nominated for elections at all levels. According to RBC's sources, United Russia plans to bring more than 40 military personnel into the next State Duma, and the total number of military personnel in the new parliament could reach about 100.