Putin says "millions of people are backing our fighters" in Ukraine war

Russia held a tightly managed parliamentary election, its first since 2021, and the ruling United Russia party—which supports President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine—scored a decisive victory. Before the vote, Putin voiced confidence that it would display national unity and popular approval of the military campaign. The only remaining antiwar opposition group, Yabloko, was blocked from participating. The balloting took place across 11 time zones and in Ukrainian regions occupied by Russian forces, and was portrayed as evidence Moscow can conduct elections during wartime—a point that may appeal to President Donald Trump. The vote’s larger importance is how the Kremlin might use the apparent endorsement: concerns include a new compulsory call-up, which Putin rejects, while 49 veterans won seats, possibly aiding voluntary enlistment. Some Russians of military age are leaving as a precaution.