Lower house of Russia’s Federal Assembly, 1993–present
Russia has signed multiple decrees this year expanding the armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 active troops, in a move observers say signals a protracted war. Kyiv and Western analysts warn the expansion may presage renewed mobilisation as casualties mount and diplomacy stalls.
The Justice Ministry has designated multiple Russian figures and offices as “foreign agents,” a move that restricts activity and imposes disclaimers on public appearances. The actions come after charges and new designations tied to alleged foreign influence, as authorities emphasize safeguarding state interests.
A Russian court has granted Rodina’s lawsuit to remove Yabloko from the federal ballot amid allegations of foreign funding, copyright violations, and extremism. Supporters gathered outside the Supreme Court as the ruling was delivered; Yabloko plans to appeal. The party remains the only registered pro-peace liberal option amid a broader crackdown.
Russia's Supreme Court has revoked the registration of Yabloko's federal list for September's State Duma elections after upholding a suit by the nationalist Rodina party that accused it of receiving foreign funding, copyright violations and promoting extremism. Supporters gathered outside the court and dozens were detained; party leaders have vowed legal appeals.
Lev Shlosberg, deputy chairman of Yabloko, has been sentenced to 11 years and 1 month in prison for discrediting the Russian armed forces and spreading false information about the war in Ukraine. The case marks a new blow to Russia's dissidence as Yabloko faces election bans and authorities tighten controls.
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.
The article reports that US envoys are pursuing a new path to end the war with Russia, with Kyiv and European partners seeking significant military and energy support for the winter. Trilateral talks and pauses in strikes are discussed, along with new proposals from Washington and ongoing Ukrainian defenses.
Sweden’s centre‑left bloc has secured a narrow majority in the Riksdag after the Sept. 18–20 vote, giving Magdalena Andersson the lead to form a government. The Social Democrats and allied Centre, Left and Green parties hold 176 seats to the right‑wing bloc’s 173. Andersson has invited partners to coalition talks; Ulf Kristersson has resigned.
Ukraine and Western officials condemn Russia-held elections in occupied territories as illegal while Putin underscores the vote’s purpose to showcase public backing for the war; observers report coercion and security-driven voting extensions.
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.