In a country transformed by three years of war, Russians cast ballots this weekend in an election whose outcome was never in question — only its aftermath. The Kremlin, having barred the sole anti-war party from competing once its support proved inconveniently real, has staged a vote designed less to reflect public will than to manufacture the appearance of it. What hangs over the exercise is not the count, but the fear of what a compliant new parliament may authorize once the formality is complete.
Russia holds controlled election as Putin tightens grip amid Ukraine war
Young Russian men are fleeing the country to avoid anticipated military mobilization following the election.