United Russia Drops Medvedev From 5-Person Ticket as Lavrov Tops September Election List
Updated
Updated · Meduza · Jun 29
United Russia Drops Medvedev From 5-Person Ticket as Lavrov Tops September Election List
1 articles · Updated · Meduza · Jun 29
Summary
Sergei Lavrov will head United Russia’s five-person list for the September election, while party chairman Dmitry Medvedev was left off entirely despite lobbying to lead or join the top three.
Kremlin and party officials saw Medvedev as too unpopular and too closely tied to the war, with one source saying his inclusion would hurt United Russia’s electoral targets and complicate campaign control.
Vladimir Putin finalized the lineup late in the week, according to sources, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin placed second alongside war veteran Vladislav Golovin, children’s ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova and war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny.
Sobyanin had been viewed as the consensus lead candidate, and some insiders said his value could be diluted by the final mix; Lavrov’s selection reportedly surprised even people involved in preparing the congress.
Putin used the congress to insist the vote would proceed on schedule and to reinforce United Russia’s branding as “the president’s party” — a message sources said is easier to sell without Medvedev atop the ticket.
As war fatigue grows in Russia, why is Putin’s party elevating military figures for the upcoming September elections?
What does sidelining a former president reveal about the power struggles emerging within Putin’s inner circle?
United Russia’s 2026 Strategy: Leadership Shake-Up, Pro-War Messaging, and Putin’s Power Consolidation
Overview
As United Russia prepares for the 2026 State Duma elections, the party is undergoing a major leadership shake-up, forming a new 'top five' to strengthen its position. Despite earlier reports suggesting Dmitry Medvedev would lead the list, he is now being excluded due to his declining popularity. This strategic realignment is designed to boost United Russia’s chances in the upcoming elections, reflecting careful internal calculations and a shift in party dynamics. The changes highlight the party’s focus on presenting a stronger, more appealing leadership team to voters as the political contest approaches.