Russia Conducts Parliamentary Vote in Seized Ukrainian Territories

Russia holds parliamentary election in areas it seized from Ukraine, aiming to cement political control amid international condemnation.

Editorial Desk

September 19, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Moscow, Russia — Russia has begun a three-day parliamentary election in regions it has seized from Ukraine, marking the first time residents of these areas will vote in a Russian election. The move is part of efforts by the Kremlin to solidify its grip on the territories.

The voting includes areas such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2022. These regions, often referred to as the ‘new regions,’ have over 3.5 million voters. However, the international community does not recognize the annexation, and Ukrainian authorities have denounced the election as illegal.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of the vote, stating that it would demonstrate public support for the war and the Kremlin’s dominance. Meanwhile, Ukraine has urged other countries not to recognize the election, calling it a violation of international law. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about coercion and pressure on residents to participate.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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