Russia's ruling pro-Putin party on track to win wartime election after drones strike Moscow
Russia's ruling party was on track to win a parliamentary election that Putin has cast as a test of support for the war in Ukraine, partial results showed.
TL;DR
- United Russia is leading the parliamentary election with 57.5% of the vote, according to initial results.
- Ukraine launched hundreds of drones targeting Moscow and other regions, reportedly the largest attack of its kind since the war began, causing casualties and damage.
- Russian officials accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the election with the drone strikes.
- Other parties, while trailing significantly, are expected to secure seats in the State Duma.
- The Kremlin is likely to interpret the election results as public endorsement of Putin's policies and the war.
- Despite attempts to disrupt the vote through cyberattacks and drone strikes, election authorities reported the process was mostly smooth.
- Opposition in exile called for a midday protest at polling stations, with some locations showing long lines.
- Most anti-war candidates were barred from running, and some liberal party members expressed fear for their safety.
- Kyiv dismissed the Russian election as a 'pseudo election'.