🇷🇺 Donetsk votes: Observing the DPR’s first State Duma elections

While in Donetsk, we had the opportunity to visit a polling station and observe a historic moment for the region: the first State Duma elections held in the DPR since the 2022 referendums and its incorporation into the Russian Federation.

We observed the voting process and spoke with the head of the polling station about how the election was being conducted and what participation meant for residents.

But what stood out most was the atmosphere.

People were VERY excited to vote. After more than a decade of war, this was the first time residents of the DPR were electing representatives to Russia’s federal parliament. The overwhelming feeling we encountered was one of hope; hope for greater representation in Moscow, closer integration with Russia and, ultimately, a more peaceful future.

Whatever people thousands of kilometers away may say about Donbass, actually being there and speaking with the people themselves gives you a very different perspective.

For them, this wasn’t simply another election. It was the first time they were choosing who would represent them in the State Duma.

🔴 @DDGeopolitics