Mobile polling teams went door to door in occupied areas on 14 September, with footage showing residents voting outdoors under the supervision of Russia's Central Electoral Commission and armed escorts. Russia's parliamentary election is scheduled for 18–20 September, and authorities say early voting in frontline regions is necessary under martial law. Ukraine's SBU warns participation could bring up to 10 years in prison, while Kyiv and Western governments call the polls illegal and a "sham election."
Russia Begins Door-to-Door Early Voting in Occupied Ukrainian Territories Ahead of Nationwide Parliament Vote
Russia stages early voting in occupied Ukraine ahead of national election
Mobile polling teams visited rural homes in occupied Ukrainian territory on 14 September, carrying ballot boxes and portable voting booths so residents could cast ballots outside their homes. Video from the visits shows locals voting outdoors under the supervision of members of Russia's Central Electoral Commission, accompanied by Russian servicemen and police officers.
What Happened
Russia's parliamentary election is scheduled to run nationwide from 18 to 20 September. Officials say early voting is also under way in several frontline regions and argue these measures comply with martial law imposed by Moscow and are intended to protect voters and election workers.
Scenes On The Ground
In Donetsk, election staff moved between settlements escorted by police and armed military personnel. Released footage does not include turnout figures or indicate how many people voted at the locations recorded.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has warned residents in occupied areas not to participate, saying that organising or promoting the elections could be a criminal offence under Ukrainian law, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
International Response
Kyiv and Western governments have denounced ballots held in occupied Ukrainian territory as illegal, describing them as a "sham election" intended to legitimise Moscow's control over the regions. Observers and rights groups have raised concerns about the freedom of choice for residents when voting takes place under the supervision of armed forces.
Note: The reporting is based on released footage and official statements; independent verification of turnout and conditions across the occupied territories is limited.
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