• Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the upcoming parliamentary election should demonstrate the country's unity in support of the war effort against Ukraine.
• The parliamentary elections in Russia, scheduled for September 18-20, are expected to favor Putin's ruling United Russia party due to the exclusion of opposition parties.
• In addition to electing 450 deputies to the new State Duma in Moscow, the elections will also be held in Russian-controlled parts of annexed Ukrainian regions, despite Ukraine's objections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that the upcoming parliamentary election should contribute to Russia's victory against Ukraine by showing the country's unity.

"Taking part in the elections is our collective contribution to Russia's victory," he said in a video address.

He said the election should show "that millions of people stand behind our fighters, that we are a united people" and emphasized that he expects the "most worthy candidates" to win.

Russia is holding parliamentary elections from September 18-20. The country's more than 110 million eligible voters will elect 450 deputies to the new State Duma in Moscow.

However, with the opposition barred from standing, the results are clearly set to favour Putin. Following the exclusion of the anti-war party Yabloko, a total of 10 parties loyal to the Kremlin are set to appear on the ballot paper.

In addition to the ruling United Russia party, whose victory in the election is considered certain, four other parties loyal to the system are currently represented in parliament.

Against Ukraine's wishes, the election will also be held for the first time in the Russian-controlled parts of the annexed Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson.

Alongside the Duma election, deputies to regional parliaments are also being elected in eight regions. According to the electoral commission, a total of around 2,200 elections are taking place at various levels of government.