Putin Vows Elections Will Continue Across Russia 'Even in Most Difficult Conditions'
President Putin told the United Russia congress that elections will be held nationwide, praising war veterans as candidates.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the United Russia party congress in Moscow on Saturday, delivering a firm commitment to maintain the country's electoral calendar despite ongoing challenges. Speaking to delegates, he asserted that Russia would not abandon democratic principles, even under severe strain.
"Even in the most difficult conditions, we will not retreat from the principles of democracy," Putin said. He emphasized that elections would be conducted at various levels across the entire nation, explicitly mentioning regions from the Far East to Novorossiya and Donbass.
The president's remarks were met with a standing ovation and chants of "Russia! Russia! Russia!" from the assembled party members. The gathering served as the platform for finalizing the party's program ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for 20 September.
Putin also took the opportunity to highlight the presence of military veterans among United Russia's candidate list. He described them as heroes who had fought for the country and expressed confidence they would serve effectively in parliament. He noted their firsthand experience with the challenges faced by front-line soldiers and their families, expressing conviction that they would prioritize solving those issues.
The congress underscored the party's focus on stability and sovereignty, with Putin framing the upcoming vote as a demonstration of the political system's maturity and its capacity to withstand external pressures.