Russia’s local and regional elections concluded on Sunday, with Kremlin-backed candidates expected to win in most races.
Putin Supporters Secure Victories
The elections, which took place over three days, included 21 gubernatorial races, legislative elections in 13 regions, and numerous local council contests.
Preliminary results suggest that candidates supporting President Vladimir Putin and his war in Ukraine are set to secure victories across the country, according to Ziare.
In the Kursk region, near the border with Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces have recently conducted operations, interim Governor Alexei Smirnov won over 66% of the vote, according to Russia’s Central Election Commission.
Keep the Trust of the Russian People
These elections are widely seen as a referendum on Putin’s leadership and his military actions in Ukraine, which have now entered their third year. Similar outcomes were seen in previous elections, including the March presidential vote, which extended Putin’s term in office and showed strong public support for his policies.
Former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, now head of the ruling United Russia party, emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence during the ongoing conflict, stating, “It is extremely important not to lose the trust of the Russian people.”
In Lipetsk, another border region frequently targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes, incumbent Governor Igor Artamonov won around 80% of the vote. Meanwhile, in Bryansk, another area affected by Ukrainian attacks, former Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin led in a partial election for the lower house of Russia's parliament.
