Speaking from a video link with government officials in Moscow, Putin said the high voter participation was a “record” that showed Russians back the country’s efforts to protect national security and support the troops on the front line.
The election, held from September 18 to 20, was framed by the president as a test of public endorsement for the four‑and‑a‑half‑year war in Ukraine and his resolve to pursue key military objectives.
Near‑complete results released on Monday indicated that United Russia, the pro‑Putin ruling party, won more than 57% of the vote and is set to control 355 of the 450 Duma seats – a record‑high share of about 80% – confirming its decisive majority in a tightly controlled political system that excluded most anti‑war candidates.
Russia’s Central Electoral Commission reported the 59.3% turnout, which the state news agency TASS said exceeded turnout levels in recent Duma elections, suggesting a higher level of voter engagement than in previous cycles.
During his speech, Putin addressed soldiers fighting in Ukraine directly, declaring, “This vote is for you. People believe in you, believe in our victory, believe in your courage, in your heroism,” reinforcing the narrative that the election outcome validates continued military action.