[Interview] Why does Putin bother with elections when everybody knows they are a sham? Russia expert explains weekend vote – and how it may escalate war

No party critical of Russia’s war with Ukraine is standing in the Russian parliamentary elections, which for decades have been neither free nor fair. Only parties in support of Vladimir Putin and his so-called special military operation are allowed to contest in the elections running from today until Sunday (20 September).

Ordinary Russians are feeling the consequences of the war with Ukraine, so the elections to the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, are an important litmus test of Putin’s hold on power in Russia.

Filip Scherf, a Czech expert on Russia, breaks down how war has shaped the election campaign. Speaking to Denník N, our sister publication, he covers:

Russian parliamentary candidates are screened vigorously to ensure Putin’s critics do not stand. Who can anti-war Russians vote for?