Kremlin doubts war will end in two years: how it impacts Duma election preparations

The Institute for the Study of War reported the information.

The Russian opposition outlet Medusa reported that First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Sergei Kiriyenko has not started planning the “outlines” of the 2026 Duma elections, although the Kremlin usually does this two years before the elections. 

A source close to the presidential administration said that the formation of election policy depends on whether the war in Ukraine will continue in 2026. 

At the same time, a source in the United Russia leadership said that it is not yet clear whether the United Russia 2026 campaign should feature military personnel or a person who “symbolizes a return to peaceful life.” 

“The source stated that if the war ends, then the Kremlin will need 'moderate forces.' A Just Russia [party]notably held a congress on October 26 and announced that its new political course will be 'patriotic socialism,' which the party described as necessary during Russia's war in Ukraine and 'firmly based on the great achievements of Russian civilization and the most important condition for [Russia's] further development,'” the statement said.

• On Wednesday, October 30, it became known that Ukraine is preparing a three-point plan to be presented at the second Peace Summit.