Russian Duma elections held as Ukrainian drone strikes deepen domestic anxiety

Russia is conducting three-day parliamentary elections for the State Duma, including in occupied Ukrainian territories, a move intended to consolidate administrative control and legitimize the war. Concurrently, Ukraine has launched a significant drone attack on Moscow and other Russian regions, reportedly involving hundreds of drones, in an apparent attempt to disrupt the electoral process and challenge Kremlin control. The elections are widely viewed as predetermined, with the ruling United Russia party expected to retain power amid tightened political controls and the barring of genuine opposition.