Russia's United Russia party wins 355 of 450 State Duma seats in election criticized by EU and Ukraine

Russia held its parliamentary election for the State Duma from September 18 to 20, 2026, with the ruling United Russia party winning a record 355 of 450 seats. The vote excluded all parties critical of the Kremlin or the war in Ukraine. The election triggered a diplomatic row with Moldova over Russia's plan to open polling stations in the separatist Transdniestria region, which Moldova called unacceptable and hostile. The EU and several Western nations condemned the election as undemocratic and illegal in occupied Ukrainian territories, vowing sanctions. On the final day, Ukraine launched a drone attack on Moscow, killing two people.