Russian holds parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine in the war

Russia is conducting parliamentary elections that include residents of regions in Ukraine currently occupied by Russian forces. These territories were annexed by Moscow following the start of the full-scale invasion more than four and a half years ago. The inclusion of these areas in the voting process is described as an effort by the Kremlin to solidify its control over the seized regions.

Ukrainian officials have formally and strongly condemned the move. The elections mark the first time these specific territories have been integrated into Russia’s parliamentary voting process since the onset of the conflict.