Due to the uncertainty of war, Russia has not begun the usual advance planning for the Duma elections in 2026. However, it continues to militarize the government through various initiatives.
According to ISW, the Russian opposition outlet Meduza reported that the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the war in Ukraine is causing significant difficulties for the Russian authorities in preparing the State Duma election in 2026.
Putin’s United Russia currently holds 324 out of 450 seats at the State Duma (Russia’s lower chamber) and 136 out of 178 seats at the Federation Council (Russia’s upper chamber). The rest of the parliament is made up of Putin’s loyalists like coalition partner LDNR and nominal opposition parties such as CPSU. ISW had reported earlier that Russia aimed to win the Ukraine war by 2026.
According to Meduza’s report, Russia’s First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Sergei Kiriyenko, has not begun planning for the 2026 Duma Elections, despite the Kremlin’s usual practice that such preparations begin two years in advance.
A source close to President’s Administration told Meduza the Duma election’s policy is framed by whether Russia’s war with Ukraine will continue or not in 2026. Uncertainty extends to the United Russia ruling-party’s campaign strategy. A source in the party’s leadership told Meduza that they are unsure whether to feature military personnel, or someone who represents peace, such as former Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
A Just Russia held its congress on 26th October, announcing a new political course called “patriotic socialist”, which the party described was necessary during Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and “firmly founded on the great achievements” of Russian civilization.
The Kremlin is continuing its efforts to militarize the government. The “Time of Heroes”, overseen by Kiriyenko aims to place Russian war veterans in various government posts.
ISW evaluates this program in the context of Kremlin efforts at militarizing Russian society and government as well as preparations for a possible large-scale NATO conflict.
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