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Single Voting Day

Observers from 133 countries to monitor State Duma elections — official

Some 381,341 observers have been registered for the elections, including 209,548 appointed by 11 political parties, Ella Pamfilova noted

MOSCOW, September 18. /TASS/. More than 1,100 international observers from 133 countries will be monitoring the State Duma elections, surpassing the record set during the 2024 presidential election, Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova said.

"We did not even expect it, but we have broken our own record in terms of international observers, even compared with the presidential election in 2024. Back then, 1,115 [observers] from 129 countries monitored [the voting], whereas now 1,126 observers and international experts from 133 countries have arrived here," she told a briefing at the commission's information center.

Some 381,341 observers have been registered for the elections, including 209,548 appointed by 11 political parties, she noted. Over 97,000 observers will be working at the elections from the United Russia party, over 42,000 from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), more than 28,000 from New People, over 17,000 from the Just Russia party, and more than 16,000 from the Liberal Democratic Party of the Russian Federation (LDPR), Pamfilova added.

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Russia's domestic policy Single Voting Day

Single Voting Day

Donbass, Novorossiya fully integrated into Russia’s election system — official

According to Nikolay Bulayev, the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions are holding elections under extremely challenging conditions

Russia immediately declared in 2022 that events in Bucha were provocation — MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recalled that after the falsification, Bucha became a "place of pilgrimage" for Western leaders, heads of international organizations and Western journalists

NATO rehearsing scenarios for blockading Kaliningrad, isolating St. Petersburg — MFA

According to Yulia Zhdanova, NATO’s drive to escalate tensions around the Kaliningrad Region was confirmed the previous day by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who called on the alliance to step up exercises near the Russian region’s border

Russian tanks outperform Western counterparts in all conditions — Russian soldier

The senior armored group instructor from the Russian Battlegroup South said that Russian tanks perform more effectively in freezing temperatures and demonstrate high off-road mobility

Russia now has every right to end Ukrainian conflict on its terms — Brazilian expert

According to Pepe Escobar, "NATO has unleashed a terrorist war" against Russia, as due to Western action "Russian civilian infrastructure and civilians are being attacked"

Trump reports 'major progress' on establishing US Army base in Poland

"This will be a historic step," the US president said

First polling stations for State Duma elections open in Kamchatka and Chukotka

The elections will be monitored by 385 public observers on the peninsula

Russia to raise issue of Bucha falsification on OSCE platform — permanent representative

"The report will definitely be presented in Hofburg," Dmitry Polyansky said

Russia won’t go for truce without tackling root causes of Ukraine crisis — envoy to OSCE

Dmitry Polyansky pointed out that Moscow's conditions for halting the hostilities are well known and remain unchanged

Ukrainian forces suffer record losses — Polish prime minister

Donald Tusk added that if this trend continues, the winter in Ukraine "could indeed prove catastrophic"

Ukraine loses about 1,260 troops in special military op zone in past day — top brass

The Russian army struck three dry cargo ships and a ferry used to deliver military cargo to Ukrainian troops in the port of Chernomorsk in the Odessa Region, the Defense Ministry reported

Expert says Moldova seeks to bring Gagauzia, Transnistria under control with Kiev’s help

"In fact Gagauzia has found itself in a situation similar to that of Transnistria, as the conflict in Ukraine has cut the regions off from external partners that have traditionally maintained the balance of power," Igor Ivanenko said

Russia calls on the West at UN to halt dangerous actions regarding Iran

Vasily Nebenzya noted that the only way to resolve disputes is through "political and diplomatic efforts based on taking into account the interests of all parties and the legitimate rights of Tehran"

Top Russian security official comments on Western plans in South Caucasus, Armenia crisis

Sergey Shoigu noted that Western countries are only out to tap the resources of the South Caucasus

Provocations targeting Russian polling stations already underway — Zakharova

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman pointed out that the enormous flow of disinformation has been launched

Slovak PM announces plans to visit Ukraine on Friday

Robert Fico shared that his visit will last several hours after which he will return home on Friday night, without elaborating

Russia's annual inflation slows to 6.2% as of September 14 — Putin

Speaking at a meeting on economic issues, the head of state noted that consumer price growth has been on a downward trend since the second quarter of last year

Homes damaged in southern Russia as air defenses down 629 drones overnight

Over five private houses and eight apartment buildings were damaged in the southern Rostov Region, Governor Yury Slyusar said

Tribunal says has evidence Ukraine deliberately killed own citizens

Chairman Maxim Grigoryev added that in this respect Ukraine had "surpassed" Hitler and Goebbels

Europeans increasingly voice support for Russia distrusting Western media — de Gaulle

Head of the Foundation for Peace and Friendship Among Peoples Pierre de Gaulle noted that people no longer believe the mainstream media and understand perfectly well that they are being lied to

German chancellor says unconditional transatlantic friendship may be over

Friedrich Merz stressed that Germany should seize the opportunity now emerging

New US sanctions bill puts Russia's trade partners in crosshairs — RSPP deputy head

Despite the threat, Alexander Murychev noted that Russian businesses have already adapted to ongoing restrictions

Russia’s Su-57E fighter demonstrates exceptional flight range with internal tanks — Rostec

The state corporation noted that the flight was completed with a single stopover, after which the aircraft still had enough fuel for another 1,000 km

Elections on single voting day kicks off in Russia’s Central Federal District

The single voting day to elect lawmakers to the 9th Russian State Duma is taking place on September 18-20

EU to transfer 3.3 bln euros to Ukraine for missiles, drones on September 18

European Commission President Von der Leyen also recalled that the EU approved funding for Patriot systems for Ukraine

Oil refinery fire in Yaroslavl Region, 641 drones: aftermath of attack on Russian regions

An electrical substation was damaged by falling debris, causing power outages in four districts of Rostov-on-Don

Russia says report on Bucha falsification to be submitted to international courts

A report on the falsification of events in Bucha will be submitted to the Russian law enforcement agencies, international courts, and organizations, Maria Zakharova said

Kiev’s attempts to disrupt election campaign in Russia fail — OSCE envoy

Dmitry Polyansky said that Kiev sought to turn the Russian people against the government and disrupt the upcoming parliamentary vote by targeting facilities inside Russia with drones and missiles

Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket successfully launched from Plesetsk spaceport — Defense Ministry

A combat crew of Space Troops of the Russian Aerospace Forces launched Soyuz-2.1b

US seeks to sell Saudi Arabia 48 fighter jets for $24.3 bln

For each fighter jet, the United States will provide a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine, as well as one additional spare engine, along with secure communications, navigation, and encryption equipment

White House considers deals with Russia before Ukraine conflict ends — NYT

According to the newspaper, such agreements could show the seriousness of Washington’s intention to reset relations with Moscow

External forces seek to use Georgia, Ukraine for their own interests — official

Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze emphasized that the opposition is engaged in hostile activities against the country

Putin extends 2014 food embargo until 2029

The food embargo, introduced in response to the unfriendly actions of the West, applies to products from the US, the EU, Australia, Norway, and Canada

Iran thanks Russia, China for vetoing US anti-Iran sanctions resolution at UN

Iranian diplomats also thanked Somalia and Pakistan, which abstained from voting on the US-drafted resolution

French politicians’ claims about Russia’s weakness absurd, false — de Gaulle

Pierre de Gaulle noted that Russia’s economy grew by 10% between 2023 and 2025 and that the Russian Armed Forces control more than 20% of the territory of the former Ukraine

Three-day voting in Russia’s State Duma elections begins in Phuket

Russian Consul General in Phuket Egor Ivanov said that "around 40,000 tourists from Russia currently arrive on the island each month during the low season"

Kiev authorities lost control over Ukrainian security forces — underground resistance

According to the source, citizens "can only watch as the agencies figure out who’s in charge"

Russian special forces commander calls demographic situation in Ukraine critical

The Ukrainian people will probably hardly be able to recover from such losses, Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov said

Bears kill ten people in Russia since start of year

A bear attacked a man in the village of Khurtaga in the Shukhalan locality of the Buryatia Region on September 7

US issues visas to Iran’s president, foreign minister to participate in UN session — AP

The Iranian delegation is smaller than last year

US starts dismantling air defense systems in northern Iraq ahead of troop withdrawal — TV

US forces have begun withdrawing heavy military equipment from the autonomous region in northern Iraq, the TV channel said

Soyuz-2.1b rocket successfully places satellite into orbit — Defense Ministry

The spacecraft was put into its target orbit at the scheduled time and was placed under control of ground-based assets of the Aerospace Forces’ Space Troops, the ministry reported

F·16 fighter jet crashes in Michigan — TV

The aircraft’s pilot was hospitalized and is in stable condition

Representatives from over 150 countries to attend World Public Assembly

The two-day discussion will focus on "values that can serve as a foundation for trust and cooperation in the emerging multipolar world while preserving the cultural and civilizational diversity of peoples"

Russian diplomatic missions do everything to ensure security at polling stations abroad

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, staff are in contact "literally in real time" with "the center and, first and foremost, the Central Election Commission"

AUKUS should be directed against Russia as well — UK envoy

According to Stephen Lovegrove, London is calling on Washington and Canberra to consider the Euro-Atlantic and Asia-Pacific regions together in this regard

Trump says to discuss Iran with regional allies at UN

The US president intends to meet with representatives of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman

Ukraine’s NABU, SAPO have 1,000 hours of recordings on Zelensky, associates — Azarov

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov stressed that active work on Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle has begun

State Duma elections begin in Russia’s Siberian regions

Voting will take place at 1,852 polling stations

Russia hopes Europe has taken notice of warning about 'other, very short war' — Lavrov

Russia’s top diplomat pointed to the fact that it was Europe that was regularly voicing claims about its preparations for a possible war

Russia projects 2% budget deficit even under conservative oil price estimate — Putin

Opening a meeting on the economy, the head of state noted that this fiscal gap remains manageable under the current macroeconomic assumptions

Iran never to capitulate, already controls military situation in region — journalist

Brazilian international journalist and Eurasian geopolitical analyst Pepe Escobar said that the war is impossible to settle

First voters arrive at polling stations as elections begin in Russia

Video surveillance footage shows voters approaching election commission members’ desks within the first minutes after polling stations opened

Russia presents report proving Kiev staged Bucha incident

The report includes documents, unveiling the truth behind the event, as well as eyewitness testimony

UK chief of Defense Staff says Russia noticeably boosted its military might

Richard Knighton added that the global security situation is "getting more dangerous"

Trump says to make 'big decision' on Iran as war at pivotal point

The US president said the United States "is approaching a critical juncture in the Iran war over whether to restart massive attacks in an effort to bring the conflict to a close"

Slovak PM worried about 'pretext' in the making leading to major NATO-Russia conflict

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly stated that Moscow has no intention of attacking Western countries and no reason to do so

Trump plans first meeting with Delcy Rodriguez on UNGA sidelines — Axios

No final decision on the meeting has been made, the news portal said

Russian forces strike metallurgical, energy facilities in Kiev, Zaporozhye, Odessa Region

The Russian military also struck vessels supporting the Ukrainian army

Iran proposes suspending IAEA Board membership for US — statement

Jointly with Israel, the US "conducted 18 waves of attacks against Iran’s peaceful safeguarded nuclear facilities," the Iranian diplomats added

Geran drones destroy Ukrainian radar stations, electronic warfare system

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that a P-19MA radar station and a dome electronic warfare system had been destroyed

Three civilians killed, 10 injured in Ukrainian attacks on DPR in past day

A residential property, three civilian infrastructure facilities, special equipment and diesel locomotives were also damaged

West actively prepares for war against Russia, spreads myth of Russian threat — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minster added that Western countries accuse Moscow of undermining European values

All polling stations across Russia open as normal — top election official

According to Ella Pamfilova, only some minor issues arose

FACTBOX: Single Voting Day in Russia

Introduced in 2005, Single Voting Day is the designated voting date in Russia for elections at various levels

Kremlin comments on US 'sanctions from hell,' their impact on Ukrainian settlement

The Kremlin is monitoring how the situation around the bill passed by the House of Representatives on US "sanctions from hell" on Russian oil and gas exports last night will unfold

Air defenses down another 15 drones flying toward Moscow

A total of 35 UAVs have been destroyed on approach to the Russian capital

India to take necessary measures following US adoption of Russia-Iran sanctions act — MFA

According to the statement, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security

Situation in Kiev looks like regime’s end is near — French colonel

People in Ukraine are being snatched off the streets to be sent to the front with virtually no training, Herve Carresse said

State Department admits US troops face Arctic gear problems

Julia Nesheiwat, nominee for US Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic, said Washington still lacks the necessary capabilities in the region

Over 1.5 mln Russian voters cast ballots online

A total of more than four million people registered on the federal platform to vote remotely

US not to levy tariffs on China before Trump meets Xi — Bloomberg

Donald Trump assumes that the Chinese leader will arrive in Washington on September 24

NATO already concerned by Von der Leyen’s security initiatives — Politico

NATO diplomats told the newspaper that "the allies were not formally briefed by the EU" on the proposal

Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen almost 40 times over day, Houthis claim

FSB thwarts sabotage attack on gas pipeline in North Caucasus

According to Russia’s Federal Security Service, the man, a native of Ukraine’s Chernigov Region, established contact with a Ukrainian Security Service officer in 2024

EU, NATO risk turning hybrid war against Russia into traditional one — envoy to OSCE

Dmitry Polyansky noted that the combat potential is also increasing in the European Union itself

Iran summons German ambassador over alleged interference in domestic affairs

During the meeting, the Iranian Foreign Ministry official rejected what he called unfounded statements by German chancellor Friedrich Merz concerning Tehran and strongly protested Berlin’s "unfounded and destructive approach" to regional developments

Azov militants passed off as civilians allegedly killed in Bucha — Ukraine tribunal

Maxim Grigoriyev noted that the memorial plaques in Bucha list the names of the people who were not residents of the city and were members of the Azov unit

IN BRIEF: Top Russian diplomat on West preparing for war, Moscow’s response to challenges

Europe’s support for the Nazi regime in Kiev is a disgrace, Sergey Lavrov said

US ready to approve delivery of ten missiles for Patriot from Germany to Ukraine

"Ukraine seeks to acquire these systems to bolster its air defense capability against ongoing Russian attacks," and "Ukraine already possesses munitions of the same type," the State Department added

West launches campaign to disrupt Russians’ voting — Zakharova

Maria Zakharova assured that the Russian Foreign Ministry "is in constant contact with all its missions abroad on this issue"

Russian stock market closes lower as major indices drop within 2%

The MOEX Index slid 1.57% to close at 2,248.87 points, while the RTS Index fell 1.97% to 838.3 points

Western professionals flee Kiev army, untrained mercenaries fill this niche — Russian MFA

Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large, said that professionals decided to flee because they realized it was "by no means a safari-like adventure"

Ebola outbreak shows encouraging signs of improvement — WHO

A total of 903 patients showing symptoms of the disease are currently in hospitals and medical isolation facilities

Putin outlines Russia's 2027 federal budget priorities

"An absolute priority for the federal budget must be the fulfillment of the state's social obligations, ensuring the safety of citizens, and strengthening Russia's defense capabilities," the Russia leader noted

Central Bank, government efforts to curb inflation yielding results — Putin

Speaking at a meeting on economic issues, the head of state noted that Russia's annual inflation slowed to 6.2% as of September 14, marking a significant drop compared to the same period last year

Russian Geran-4 Seeker UAVs hit two dry cargo ships at Odessa port on September 17

The strikes were launched to limit the enemy’s ability to transport weapons and military equipment, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Cosmonauts aboard ISS address Russians on first day of elections

Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov noted that people are electing for the next several years a key element of the system of representative government, those who will largely determine the development of Russia

NATO recon aircraft flying over Poland parallel to Kaliningrad Region border

The source noted that while the aircraft typically operates in the Baltic region and can circle the Russian territory, its Thursday’s flight path is quite rare

West stands to gain from breaking Russia, Belarus apart — Lukashenko

He said that it is not Belarus, but the resource·rich lands further to the east that are the main target of the Western elites

Voting conditions in Germany far from normal in Russia’s State Duma elections — ambassador

Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev pointed out that the situation is complicated not only by the reduction in the number of polling stations, but also by the unfavorable anti-Russian rhetoric being artificially fueled in Germany

White House develops strategy for post-war containment of Iran — Axios

The plan, still in the early stages of drafting, is intended to guide the US approach to the Middle East after the Iran war ends and in the final two years of Trump's term

Kiev sponsors' role, no UN response: Russian diplomat on Bucha

Maria Zakharova noted that the UN secretary-general became part of the Bucha provocation by playing along with the anti-Russian campaign

First State Duma polling stations in Southern Federal District open in Astrakhan Region

The Astrakhan Region election commission said that voters in the region are electing not only State Duma deputies but also deputies to the Astrakhan Region Duma

Russians’ level of trust in Putin exceeds 74% — pollster

The Russian government’s work is approved by 48.3% of respondents

F-16 fighter jet that crashed in US struck bird beforehand — NYP

Following the incident, local authorities ordered an evacuation within a one-mile radius of the fighter jet’s wreckage

Iran’s UN mission objects to US designation for IAEA Board membership

According to the Iranian delegation, having the United States on the global nuclear body’s Board "would create a structural conflict of interest," undermine its neutrality, and further erode confidence in the IAEA itself

Trump needs to decide what to do with US troops in Middle East — Axios

According to the report, the US president previously ordered the army to maintain the current troop levels in the Middle East until the end of the year to remain prepared for a possible resumption of full·scale combat operations against Iran

Ukrainian forces attack DPR settlements 31 times over past day, casualties reported

Three civilians were killed and 15 wounded, including four children

IN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements at a cabinet meeting on economic issues

As of September 14, inflation stood at 6.2%, which is noticeably lower than last year's level, the Russian leader said

Russian forces strike metallurgical enterprises, Ukraine’s energy facilities

The Russian army also hit Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, the Defense Ministry reported