Russia's parliamentary election gives Vladimir Putin a fresh political mandate at home as he prepares for greater wartime demands and seeks to exploit divisions and political pressures in Europe. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/09/25/world/russias-potemkin-election/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #worldnews #vladimirputin #russia #russiaukrainewear #duma #ukraine #volodymyrzelenskyy #kgb #nato #france #emmanuelmacron #europe #germany #afd #marinelepen