Putin’s “New Elite”: Over 300 War Veterans Elected to Russian Regional Parliaments

In a move that underscores the growing influence of war veterans in Russia’s political landscape, over 300 individuals who served in the conflict in Ukraine have been elected as regional deputies following elections held across 83 regions from Friday to Sunday. These veterans, lauded by President Vladimir Putin as the “new elite” of Russia, have secured positions in regional parliaments, representing a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.

According to The Moscow Times, a total of 423 war veterans participated in the regional parliamentary elections, with 380 running on the list of United Russia, the dominant political force behind Putin’s regime. Another 40 veterans ran under the banner of the Communist Party, while the remaining candidates represented the Liberal Democratic Party (ultranationalist) and A Just Russia – For Truth (social-democratic).

Vladimir Iakushev, acting secretary of the General Committee of United Russia, announced on Monday that 308 out of the 380 war veterans who ran on the party’s list were elected as regional deputies. Iakushev claimed a sweeping victory, attributing it to securing “absolute majorities” in regional parliamentary elections and claiming all 25 governorship positions up for grabs on Sunday.

United Russia Tightens its Grip on Moscow

Data released by the Central Election Commission in Moscow reveals United Russia’s dominance in the elections, garnering vote percentages ranging from 45.93% in the Khabarovsk Territory (the lowest result) to 80.8% in the Tuva Republic (the highest result). In Moscow itself, United Russia has strengthened its control over the local legislative body, now holding 38 out of 45 mandates.

In the gubernatorial races, Aleksandr Beglov achieved the lowest victory margin, securing approximately 60% of the vote in St. Petersburg. In other regions, United Russia candidates achieved significantly higher support, with Igor Babushin winning 78.17% in Astrakhan and Vladimir Vladimirov securing 79.61% in Stavropol. In the Kursk region, which has been partially occupied by Ukraine and houses around 120,000 refugees in special facilities, acting governor Aleksandr Smirnov is projected to win with 65% of the vote.

Furthermore, United Russia claimed victory in three by-elections for the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament.

Iakushev declared that United Russia has “confirmed its status as the dominant political force, the majority party, and the president’s party.”

Since Vladimir Putin’s return to the Kremlin in 2012, his regime has effectively crushed opposition and silenced critical voices. This crackdown, reminiscent of Stalinist tactics, has intensified since the launch of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The majority of opposition figures are either behind bars, in exile, or deceased. Numerous independent NGOs and media outlets have condemned Russian elections as orchestrated events, characterized by the elimination of real opposition, fraud, and various tactics designed to ensure Putin and his party emerge victorious.

EU Condemns “Elections” in Crimea

Meanwhile, the European Union has condemned the holding of so-called elections in the Crimean Peninsula and Sevastopol, occupied by Russia since spring 2014, and stated that it will not recognize the results announced by Russian authorities.

“Russia organized partial regional and local elections, notably in the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, between September 6 and 8. The European Union strongly condemns the holding of these so-called elections by Russia in Ukrainian territory. They constitute a further act in violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” reads a statement issued by the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS).

According to the spokesperson, cited by Ukrinform, the EU does not recognize these alleged elections or their results in Crimea. They are null and void and have no legal effect. Russian leaders and those responsible for organizing these illegal acts must be held accountable and face consequences for their actions.

The statement emphasizes that over ten years since the invasion and annexation of Crimea, the EU continues to view the Black Sea peninsula as part of Ukraine. Referring to the UN General Assembly Resolution of March 27, 2014, the EU urges Russia to cease actions that undermine Ukraine’s national unity and territorial integrity.

“There is only one way out of this war, and that is for Russia to immediately end its illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and withdraw all its military forces and equipment from Ukrainian territory,” the EEAS stressed.