Russia is holding its first parliamentary election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Vladimir Putin’s United Russia expected to retain control of the 450-seat State Duma. Critics describe Russia’s political system as 'managed democracy', arguing that genuine opposition has been severely restricted and the election cannot be considered free or fair. All parties represented in the outgoing parliament supported legislation connected with Russia’s war in Ukraine, while anti-war party Yabloko was removed from the national ballot by the supreme court. Some individual Yabloko candidates remain in constituency races, although several have reportedly been detained, prosecuted or barred from standing. Nearly two hundred veterans of the Ukraine war are contesting seats, allowing the Kremlin to promote their political careers and portray the result as public endorsement of its policies. Russians face growing concerns about the war, Ukrainian drone attacks, fuel shortages and rising living costs, but despite these pressures, there is little expectation that the election will produce significant political change.