MOSCOW, 16 September, 2026 (Ghufran): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday described participation in the upcoming parliamentary election as a measure of public support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and urged citizens to cast their votes. Russia is set to hold a three-day parliamentary election starting Friday to determine the composition of the 450-seat State Duma, the lower house of parliament. The election is the first parliamentary vote since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and comes amid concerns over the impact of the war on the economy and public sentiment. Most anti-war candidates have been excluded from the ballot, while the political system remains tightly controlled and the ruling United Russia party, backed by Putin, is expected to maintain its dominance. In a televised address ahead of the election, Putin referred to the war and Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine, saying that voting would help demonstrate national unity and resolve in the face of external pressure. He said the election would also serve as a collective response to those seeking to weaken Russia, obstruct its development and undermine its sovereignty and right to determine its future.