Russia’s parliamentary elections will take place on Sept. 18-20, 2026, amid the ongoing war with Ukraine. Given the backdrop of an energy crisis, battlefield failures in Ukraine and fears of more national conscription at home, you might think that the Kremlin should have reason for concern.
Yet few observers believe the result is in doubt: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party will undoubtedly win. Anything less will demonstrate societal disloyalty to the government and opposition to the Ukraine War. And the Kremlin will not allow that.
