Head of Chechen Republic; long-time Kremlin ally
Preliminary results have shown United Russia securing about 57–58% of the party vote and roughly 349–355 of 450 State Duma seats after three days of voting. Turnout has been reported near 57–60%. Voting included polling in Crimea and four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow; Western governments and critics have denounced the vote as uncompetitive.
Russian presidential decrees have placed the Russian operations of several Western retailers and food companies under temporary administration, transferring control to newly registered or Kremlin‑linked firms. The moves follow earlier 2023 seizures and are taking place as Moscow and Berlin exchange diplomatic and security accusations, putting German firms such as Metro and Globus at risk.
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.