Meduza finds 148 war-linked deputies in new Russian State Duma
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At least 148 deputies elected to Russia's new State Duma have ties to the war in Ukraine, according to an investigation by Meduza published on Friday. The figure represents about a third of the 450-seat chamber, based on preliminary results announced by election authorities.
Key Facts
- Meduza identified at least 148 elected deputies with ties to the war in Ukraine, about a third of the 450-seat State Duma.
- Central Election Commission head Ella Pamfilova said 46 participants of the so-called 'SVO' entered the new Duma, while United Russia's lists included 49 people with that status.
- Four war-linked deputies were elected from other parties: three from LDPR and one from A Just Russia, plus one self-nominated candidate.
- Ukrainian authorities suspect several future deputies of war crimes, including United Russia candidate Nursultan Mussagaleyev, accused of ordering the execution of an unarmed man in Bucha district in 2022.
- Meduza counted 94 more deputies with direct ties to the war, mostly involved in fundraising or sending equipment and humanitarian aid to the front.
War-Linked Deputies
Meduza's investigation found at least 148 deputies with ties to the war in Ukraine, based on preliminary election results. The figure represents about a third of the 450-seat State Duma. Central Election Commission head Ella Pamfilova said 46 participants of the so-called 'SVO' entered the new Duma, while United Russia's lists included 49 people with that status. Meduza noted that having 'SVO' participant status does not mean each person actually served on the front line.
War Crimes Allegations
Ukrainian authorities suspect several future deputies of committing war crimes. United Russia candidate Nursultan Mussagaleyev served in the 104th Air Assault Regiment of the 76th Division and is accused of ordering subordinates to shoot an unarmed man during the occupation of Bucha district in 2022. Colonel General Alexander Lapin, sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment in Ukraine, and Adam Delimkhanov, a former deputy, are also entering the State Duma. Vladislav Golovin, known by the call sign 'Struna', fought in Mariupol and lost a leg; Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate accuses him of organizing re-education and military training of Ukrainian children.
Other War Ties
Meduza counted 94 more potential deputies with direct ties to the war, mostly involved in fundraising or sending equipment and humanitarian aid to the front. The publication said some of these efforts involved large collections amounting to millions of rubles. Among the future deputies are so-called 'war correspondents' — pro-war journalists and bloggers.
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