Moscow has reported drone attacks and attempts to sabotage communication and electoral infrastructure on the final day of the three-day vote for the new 450-seat composition of the Russian State Duma. The elections for the new parliament are being held between September 18 and 20.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of acting as a NATO tool in its attempts to influence the parliamentary elections in Russia. She linked the heightened tension surrounding the vote to reports of drone attacks and strikes against communication and electoral infrastructure. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry representative, the voting is extremely important precisely under these "turbulent conditions." Zakharova's main message is that "the future of the country depends on personal responsibility and civic activity."
At the close of the campaign, Zakharova criticized calls for protest voting, arguing that such a model dilutes the personal responsibility of every voter. She urged Russian citizens to support candidates from whom they can subsequently demand accountability for their actions. In her statements, she also touched upon a personal note, asserting that her family has always lived and will continue to live in Russia, linking this to a responsibility toward the future of the state. According to her, the elections are not merely an abstract process, but decisions that directly affect the lifestyle of citizens and their families.
The security of the electoral process has been the subject of serious commentary. Zakharova expressed support for staff in regional election commissions who continue their work despite the risks, as drone attacks are being reported in these areas. On the second day of the elections, Russian authorities reported cyberattacks targeting electronic voting systems and communication infrastructure. President Vladimir Putin also accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the voting, although media outlets noted that no public evidence has been presented for this specific accusation.
Tensions escalated following a massive Ukrainian drone attack against Russian territory, which led to a modest display of force in Moscow. According to Russian data, over 1,600 drones were deployed, with hundreds directed toward the Moscow region. Ukraine confirmed the large-scale aerial operation, which targeted oil and logistics infrastructure, while Moscow interpreted the actions as an attempt to disrupt the electoral process. The objective of these attacks remains a subject of opposing positions between the two sides.
Zakharova stated that the Ukrainian authorities are "NATO's primary tool" in actions against the elections. This is part of Moscow's broader position, which frequently views the conflict and relations with the West as a major confrontation between Russia and NATO. Alliance members and Kyiv reject these claims, stating that Western nations are not waging war through Ukraine. Consequently, Zakharova's statements are viewed as an official Russian political position rather than independently established facts.
This is the first State Duma election since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The electoral process involves the following parameters:
- Approximately 111 million people are eligible to vote;
- 225 deputies are elected through party lists;
- The remaining 225 deputies are elected in single-mandate districts.
The voting is taking place in a highly restricted political environment. According to media reports, a significant number of anti-war candidates were barred from the elections, and Russia did not invite OSCE observers. Simultaneously, the vote is being organized in occupied Ukrainian territories, which Ukraine and the EU deem illegal.