September 18, 2026
Russia holds elections amid war and tightened Kremlin control live: voting underway across the country
What we know
- Russia is holding elections amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and increased Kremlin control.
- President Vladimir Putin's administration has centralized authority, significantly influencing the electoral process.
- The Kremlin has implemented extensive measures to shape election outcomes, including limiting genuine opposition.
- Electronic voting incentives are being promoted as part of the election process.
- Controlled opposition parties face restrictions within the current political environment.
Live updates
Publication times are shown in US Eastern Time and UTC. Event times are stated in the update text when confirmed.
Russia Holds Elections Amid War and Tightened Kremlin Control
Russians are voting in elections conducted under conditions shaped by President Vladimir Putin's increasingly centralized authority and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Observers note the Kremlin's extensive measures to manage electoral outcomes, including limiting genuine opposition and promoting electronic voting incentives. The political environment reflects a consolidation of power, with even controlled opposition parties facing restrictions, according to multiple sources including The New York Times, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and CNN.
Why it matters
The elections occur under heightened Kremlin control, reflecting President Putin's consolidation of power.
Extensive measures to manage outcomes and limit genuine opposition raise questions about the elections' competitiveness.
The ongoing war in Ukraine shapes the political environment and influences electoral conditions.