Russia is running early voting for its parliamentary election in occupied Ukrainian territories, with mobile polling teams visiting rural homes on 14 September and officials from the Russian Central Electoral Commission supervising alongside military and police.

The nationwide election is set for 18–20 September, and early voting is also taking place in frontline regions under martial law to protect voters and workers, according to Russian authorities.

Reportedly, the parliament election is underway with voting in areas of Ukraine that are occupied by Russia for the first time.

The piece is presented as a video feature of about five minutes and forms part of a broader foreign policy package on Welt.de.

WELT reporter Christoph Wanner reports from Kyiv, describing the eastern frontline situation and the precarious conditions facing Ukrainians.

In Donetsk, officials moved between settlements with police and armed personnel, though turnout figures are not provided in the footage.

Ukraine’s Security Service warns residents in occupied areas not to participate, citing potential criminal penalties under Ukrainian law, with participation possibly punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The report highlights the novelty and controversy of holding elections in occupied territories and the possible international and regional implications.

The narrative blends Russian electoral developments with Ukrainian military actions in the Donbas, underscoring an unstable security environment.

Kyiv and Western governments view the elections in occupied Ukrainian territory as illegal and a sham intended to legitimize Moscow’s control, reflecting broad international opposition.

Context is provided by Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH, with standard copyright notices accompanying the video report.