Moscow, 19 September (H.S.): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt Russia’s parliamentary election, while claiming that Kyiv’s actions were also undermining efforts to negotiate an end to the war.

Speaking before Russia’s Military-Industrial Commission, Putin alleged that Ukraine was interfering with the three-day parliamentary vote that began on Friday. He did not present evidence to substantiate the accusation.

The Russian president also criticised Ukraine for not holding a new presidential election following the expiry of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s elected term. Ukrainian authorities have maintained that elections cannot be held while martial law, imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, remains in force.

Russia’s parliamentary election is being held from Friday through Sunday, with voters choosing members of the 450-seat State Duma, the lower house of parliament.

The vote is taking place against the backdrop of continuing fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Putin said Ukrainian attacks on Russian-controlled areas were making peace negotiations more difficult and questioned Kyiv’s commitment to talks.

He referred to a recent strike in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region that reportedly killed the head of a local election commission. Russian authorities have blamed Ukraine for the attack, although the circumstances and responsibility could not be independently established.

Ukraine has rejected Russia’s organisation of elections in territories it controls inside Ukraine, maintaining that such voting has no legal basis. Kyiv has also repeatedly rejected Moscow’s claims over its sovereignty in the occupied regions.

The parliamentary vote is being conducted under tight political restrictions. Major anti-war opposition figures have faced barriers to participation, while the ruling United Russia party remains the dominant political force in the State Duma.

Russian authorities have also reported disruptions linked to Ukrainian drone attacks during the opening day of voting. Some polling activities were reportedly affected, although independent verification of individual incidents remains limited.

Beyond the election, Putin used his remarks to underline Russia’s continued reliance on its nuclear forces. He said Moscow would maintain its nuclear triad, comprising land-, sea- and air-launched nuclear weapons, while also strengthening its air and missile-defence systems.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar