Putin and Medvedev Rally Support for War in Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin has rallied Russia for a continued war against Ukraine, emphasizing national unity and the soldiers' efforts. Speaking at a United Russia party congress, Putin praised the party as the country's leading force and expressed his support for its role in the conflict.

Putin and party chairman Dmitry Medvedev voiced certainty that Russia would win the war, which has been ongoing for four and a half years. Medvedev described Ukraine as a vanishing "phantom land" that has lost 20 percent of its territory and half its population, with millions fleeing as refugees. He asserted that Western attempts to dismantle Russia would fail and labeled those who wished for Russia's defeat as "traitors" who should never return.

The upcoming parliamentary elections on September 18-20 are framed as a referendum on Russia's war course. Initially, the anti-war Yabloko party was allowed to participate but was later excluded after a surge in popularity. The ballot now features ten parties, all supporting the war. Putin hopes for high voter turnout to demonstrate national support. For the first time, residents in Russian-controlled parts of the annexed Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia will vote, further cementing Russia's internationally unrecognized annexation.

Medvedev and Putin congratulated delegates on Flag Day, claiming the Russian flag is being raised in more Ukrainian locations. Putin asserted that all of Russia, including civil society, stands with the soldiers. The article notes that the exclusion of the Yabloko party leaves voters with only pro-war options.