Russia holds nationwide Duma elections as war in Ukraine reshapes vote

Russia has commenced a three-day parliamentary election to determine the composition of the 450-member State Duma. Voting began in the Far East on Friday and will continue across the country until polls close on Sunday evening.

This marks the first parliamentary vote since the start of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine in February 2022. President Vladimir Putin has characterized the election as a measure of public support for the ongoing war, while observers note the process is occurring under strict government control.