The Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, on May 18 approved in the final reading a bill legalizing elections planned for later this year on Ukrainian territories that Moscow took over in its ongoing invasion. President Vladimir Putin announced martial law in parts of four regions of Ukraine that are under Russian control. Current Russian law does not allow holding elections during martial law. The bill, which must be approved by the parliament's upper chamber, the Federation Council, and signed by Putin to take effect, allows elections during martial law with approval by defense and security organs. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Russian Lawmakers Approve Bill Allowing Elections On Ukrainian Territories Under Moscow's Control
Attendees stand during a plenary meeting of the Russian State Duma. (file photo)