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Putin's United Russia Wins Election Amidst Cracks, War's Double-Edged Impact
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Firstpost•21-09-2026, 08:03
Putin's United Russia Wins Election Amidst Cracks, War's Double-Edged Impact
- •United Russia secured 57.5% of the vote in parliamentary elections, a predictable win given the lack of meaningful opposition.
- •The Kremlin intensified repression, banning the Yabloko party and disallowing critical candidates, ending tolerance for 'systemic opposition'.
- •Despite the election win, cracks are appearing in Russian society, with officials, bankers, and citizens voicing frustrations over war costs, economic strain, and worsening public services.
- •The Ukraine war has consolidated Putin's power domestically, allowing for unprecedented repression and public support, making it the 'principal foundation of his regime'.
- •Elite voices within Russia are increasingly urging Putin to reconsider the war, with discussions shifting from 'total victory' to finding a proper end to the conflict.
Key Questions Answered
President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party is set to win 57.5 percent of the vote in the parliamentary elections.
The Kremlin banned the Yabloko party and barred most candidates who offered even token criticism of Putin in the run-up to the elections.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov made a public plea noting that the rainy day fund being used since the invasion is not endless and public expenditure required restraint.
