Putin and Lavrov Warn of Western Interference Before Russian Elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned of Western attempts to influence Russian voters ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, Russian state media reported on September 16, 2026. Lavrov said Moscow is prepared to counter Western provocations during the State Duma elections, and accused the West of seeking to weaken Russia. Putin described the ongoing election campaign as significant and called on Russians to take part, saying victory is achieved both on the battlefield and on the home front. He also addressed voting in areas affected by the war in Ukraine. Lavrov made his remarks at the International Youth Festival.