Russia Includes Annexed Ukrainian Territories in Parliamentary Elections

Anchorage, AK, September 19, 2026 —

Russia has commenced its parliamentary elections, a process that notably includes residents from Ukrainian territories that the country has annexed. This development marks the first time individuals residing in these annexed regions are participating in Russian federal parliamentary elections.

The territories incorporated into this electoral process include the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, previously recognized as separate entities by Russia before full-scale invasion and subsequent annexation claims, as well as the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, is also part of the voting districts.

The participation of these regions in Russian parliamentary elections follows Russia’s asserted annexation of the four Ukrainian territories in September 2022. International bodies and the majority of the global community have not recognized these annexations, viewing them as violations of international law. Ukraine has strongly condemned the inclusion of its territories in Russian elections, deeming them illegal and illegitimate.

Official statements from Russian authorities indicate that polling stations have been established in these areas to allow eligible residents to cast their votes. The specifics regarding the number of eligible voters in these annexed regions or the exact logistics of the voting process were not provided in the summary information.

This election cycle is being closely monitored by international observers and governments, with particular attention paid to the conduct of voting in the annexed territories. The outcome of these elections will determine the composition of Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of its parliament.

Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.adn.com, see more information here.

Media gallery