Exiled Russian businessman and opposition figure
Ukrainian drone strikes and Russia’s wartime economy are pushing Russia toward a prolonged strain. Inflation, higher taxes, and heavy military spending have tightened civilian life, with analysts predicting years of economic hardship ahead.
Ukrainian drone strikes have damaged Russian oil infrastructure, triggering fuel shortages across the country. Authorities report production hiccups, rationing in some regions, and attempts to stabilise supplies amid heightened price pressures. The government has sanctioned imports and redirected shipments to mitigate the impact.
Russia has held a three-day parliamentary election from Sept. 18–20 that is set to return a United Russia-dominated State Duma. Most anti-war candidates were barred, the liberal Yabloko party was disqualified from the nationwide list, voting is being held in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, and Moscow reported large drone attacks and a sustained cyberattack on electronic voting in the capital.
United Russia has secured a dominant lead in the State Duma elections, with results showing a comfortable majority ahead of rivals. Reports describe a tightly controlled system and widespread support for Putin, while opposition parties face barriers and casualties amid the broader war in Ukraine.
Russia has completed a three-day parliamentary vote that has delivered a record super‑majority to President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party. The Central Election Commission has allocated roughly 349–355 of 450 seats to United Russia, with turnout near 57–60%. Voting included residents of occupied Ukrainian regions and took place against a backdrop of heavy Ukrainian drone attacks.