Russia Begins Three-Day Parliamentary Election Amid Ukraine War

Reuters

A voter reads his ballot at a polling station during Russia's parliamentary election.

Russians began voting on Friday in a three-day parliamentary election that President Vladimir Putin has described as a measure of public support for his government and its war in Ukraine.

"Your choice, and your will, will once again demonstrate that millions of people stand behind our soldiers, that we are a united people bound together by shared values, historical memory, and love for our homeland, and that no one will succeed in dividing or intimidating us," Putin said in a televised address before the vote.

An advert on state TV ⁠urging people to vote showed Russian military commanders down the ages before cutting to soldiers holding up the national flag after winning a battle in Ukraine with the slogan: "Their voice is the voice of victory. Your vote is the strength of Russia!"

In another move to boost morale and support for fighting on until victory, bone fragments from the sword hand of a medieval Russian prince who won a famous victory over the Mongols were sent to the front in Ukraine in the run-up to the vote.

Initial and partial results are expected to begin trickling out at 1800 GMT on Sunday and near complete results to be available on Monday.

Source: Reuters



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