Latest news in Russia? September 18th, 2026

Russians began voting today in a three-day parliamentary election to determine all 450 seats in the State Duma. Polling stations opened across the countrystarting in the Far Eastwith voting set to run through Sunday. President Vladimir Putin’s ruling United Russia party is widely anticipated to maintain its dominant majority.

India Today+ 1

• Parliamentary Election Underway: This marks the first State Duma vote since the full-scale conflict in Ukraine began in 2022. The ballot also extends into Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine, which Kyiv and Western allies continue to denounce as illegitimate. The Kremlin has positioned participation as a sign of national unity, while genuine anti-war opposition candidates, such as those from the Yabloko party, were barred from running.

  India Today+ 1

• Ongoing Conflict & Border Tensions: The vote takes place amid ongoing economic pressure and periodic Ukrainian long-range drone strikes targeting infrastructure deep inside Russian territory, including recent strikes reported on industrial facilities in Samara and Perm.

  India Today

• Diplomatic Warnings: In recent statements, Russian officials have warned European governments against any direct troop deployments or peacekeeping missions into Ukraine, stating that foreign military presence would risk escalating into a broader conflict with Russia.

  The Guardian