United Russia backs Vyacheslav Volodin for third term as Duma speaker
United Russia nominated Vyacheslav Volodin for another term as speaker of the State Duma after he won over 82% of the vote in Saratov.
In a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, United Russia’s leader Dmitry Medvedev announced the party’s nomination of Vyacheslav Volodin to retain the speakership of the State Duma for a third straight term. Volodin, the incumbent speaker since 2016, secured a single-member district seat in Saratov with more than 82% of the vote according to official tallies. United Russia emerged with 349 seats out of 450, marking its best electoral performance to date, a result that independent analysts attribute to extensive vote-rigging.
Medvedev stressed that Putin’s backing was a key factor in the nomination. Volodin’s continued leadership underscores the ruling party’s grip on legislative power. The nomination sets the stage for the new Duma’s first session under his guidance.
Why it matters
Volodin’s reappointment signals continued dominance of United Russia over Russia’s legislative agenda.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Ukraine reports heavy Russian personnel and equipment losses in ongoing war
- Sep 11 Ukrainian intelligence now reports that daily Russian casualties regularly exceed recruitment capacity.
- Sep 16 The House passed a fresh sanctions package targeting Russia with a 262-159 vote, now awaiting President Trump's signature.
- Sep 17 The Senate approved the bill with an 86‑11 vote last month.
- Sep 19 President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law.
- Sep 21 Preliminary results show United Russia winning 355 of the 450 State Duma seats, surpassing its previous 2016 high. The foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway issued a joint statement condemning elections held in Crimea and the four Ukrainian regions seized by Russia as violations of Ukraine's sovereignty. They demanded accountability for those organizing the vote and urged Russia to end its war and accept an unconditional ceasefire. The same period saw France support the removal of oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, a move backed by Slovakia and linked to broader negotiations over detained French nationals in Azerbaijan.
- Sep 21 Western allies issued a joint declaration condemning the election as a breach of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- Sep 24 Reports allege that corporate managers pressured staff to vote for United Russia, suggesting coercion in the electoral process.
- Sep 26 President Trump publicly urged Ukraine to negotiate a settlement with Russia.
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