Russians vote as Ukraine war drags on for fifth year

World: Russians vote as Ukraine war drags on for fifth year

News Politics Education Health World Sports Business Tourism Blogs

Russians vote as Ukraine war drags on for fifth year

While few Russians doubt Putin's United Russia party will cruise to victory again, the vote offers a gauge of public support for the war, whose effects have hit home more than ever this year.

A policewoman observes voters casting their ballots for Russia's parliamentary election at a polling station in Moscow on September 18, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Russians began voting Friday in a tightly controlled three-day election that will likely see President Vladimir Putin tighten his grip on power after 26 years at the helm, in the country's fifth year of war with Ukraine.