Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Russia Reports Powerful Cyberattacks During Second Day Of Parliamentary Election
Russia held a three-day election for its national parliament.
On Saturday, officials said Moscow’s online voting system faced a powerful and continuing cyberattack.
They did not explain exactly how the attack happened or who was responsible.
Officials said the voting system was still under control.
Russia also reported that someone tried to damage communication lines in the Far East, but said the attempt was stopped.
President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the election, but he did not provide evidence.
Ukraine did not respond to that accusation in the report and called the election farcical.
European officials criticized the vote, and most candidates who opposed the war were not allowed to run.
Voting also took place in Ukrainian regions occupied and claimed by Russia.
Russia’s Central Election Commission reported a powerful, continuous overnight attack on Moscow’s electronic voting system.
Ella Pamfilova said the Moscow attack was ongoing, while officials said the situation remained under control and attacks were being repelled.
Russia’s digital ministry reported a thwarted sabotage attempt against communication lines in the Far East, with service restored.
The parliamentary election ran from September 18 to 20, deciding all 450 seats in the State Duma.
Putin accused Ukraine of trying to interfere, while critics called the election unfair because opponents were excluded and voting was held in occupied Ukrainian regions.
- Who
- Russian election and digital authorities, including Ella Pamfilova, reported the attacks; Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of interference; the European Union and a Council of Europe body criticized the election.
- What
- Authorities reported cyberattacks on Moscow’s electronic voting system and a thwarted sabotage attempt against communication lines during the parliamentary election.
- When
- The election ran from September 18 to 20, with the Moscow attack reported overnight before Saturday, September 19.
- Where
- Moscow, the Russian Far East, and Ukrainian regions occupied and claimed by Russia, as well as Crimea.
- Why
- Russian authorities described the incidents as attacks or sabotage attempts; Putin said Ukraine was trying to hinder the election, without providing evidence.
Russian Officials’ Account
Critics’ Concerns
Cyberattack response
Russian Officials’ Account
Russian officials said the attacks were being successfully repelled, the voting situation remained under control, and communication in the Far East had been restored.
Critics’ Concerns
Officials did not provide details about the Moscow attack or identify those responsible, and the reports were attributed to Russian state media.
Alleged foreign interference
Russian Officials’ Account
Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of trying to hinder or interfere with the election.
Critics’ Concerns
The report says Putin provided no evidence; Ukraine did not respond to the accusation and described the election as farcical.
Election legitimacy
Russian Officials’ Account
The Kremlin was expected to present the result as evidence of public support for Putin’s policies and the military campaign.
Critics’ Concerns
The European Union said repression had been used to eliminate opponents, a Council of Europe body called the vote fake, and most anti-war candidates were barred from participating.
- Election dates
- September 18–20
- Parliamentary seats
- All 450 seats in Russia’s State Duma
- Moscow incident
- The electronic voting system faced a powerful, continuous overnight cyberattack.
- Far East incident
- A reported sabotage attempt against communication lines was thwarted and service was restored.
- Election locations
- Voting took place across Russia, Crimea, and four Ukrainian regions occupied and claimed by Russia.
- Political participation
- Only parties supporting Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin’s military campaign were registered, according to the report.
- Expected outcome
- Putin’s United Russia party was widely expected to retain its dominance.
