Putin’s United Russia Wins Record Supermajority: 86 War Veterans Enter Duma, Assets Seized, and Gas Talks Loom — What It Means for Expats

Russian President Vladimir Putin has tightened his grip on power after his United Russia party secured a record supermajority in the September 2026 parliamentary elections, winning over 58% of the vote and 355 of 450 State Duma seats — the party’s best result since it was founded Source: Al Jazeera. The outcome, which virtually eliminates genuine opposition, comes amid a deepening war in Ukraine and growing budget deficits at home.

For expats in the Netherlands, the developments are a stark reminder that Russia is doubling down on its wartime economy and political repression — moves that could have knock-on effects on energy prices, sanctions policy, and the security situation in Europe. If you are on a residence permit in the Netherlands, these shifts matter because they influence everything from your gas bill to the stability of the EU’s eastern flank.

86 War Participants Enter Parliament

A striking feature of the new Duma is the inclusion of 86 participants in the Ukraine war — nearly a fifth of all deputies — running under the United Russia banner Source: Ukrainska Pravda. Vladimir Yakushev, Secretary of the party’s General Council, called the number a “serious contribution” and described turnout as “unprecedentedly high.” The Kremlin initially tried to retract the figure, but the data stands. This injection of frontline veterans into the legislature signals that Putin intends to keep the war narrative central to domestic politics.

For Dutch expats, this means the EU will likely continue facing a defiant Moscow that sees military escalation as a political asset. The Hague’s position as a hub for international justice and sanctions enforcement — including the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Putin — may become even more contested.

Putin Rejects Foreign Aid, Warns Against Populism

Addressing the new Duma on 30 September, Putin declared that Russia “will not go running around the world with an outstretched hand” begging for aid, despite growing budget gaps Source: Ukrainska Pravda. He called for eliminating “any populism that destroys us from within,” a clear signal that he will prioritise war spending over social programmes. For expats, this is a reminder that Russia’s economic isolation is likely to persist, keeping energy markets volatile.

Nationalisation of Foreign Assets

Just days before the vote, Putin signed a decree nationalising the Russian assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin — three Western companies that had stayed in Russia after the 2022 invasion Source: Ukrainska Pravda. The assets were transferred to a shell company, L.E.V. Management, registered in Moscow in 2024 with no known commercial activity. This move effectively legalises the seizure of businesses that continued contributing to Russia’s budget during the war. Expats working for multinationals should note: the risk of doing business in Russia has never been higher, and the Hague’s sanctions regime will likely tighten further.

Gas Diplomacy with Germany’s Far Right

Meanwhile, Putin’s economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev has begun preparations for a meeting with the leadership of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to discuss resuming Russian gas supplies to Germany Source: Reuters via Ukrainska Pravda. The meeting, possibly as early as March 2027, would also involve US representatives and would only proceed if a peace framework for Ukraine is agreed. The AfD, while blocked from power, is currently the most popular party among German voters. For expats, this underscores how energy politics remain a leverage tool — and why your heating bills might stay unpredictable.

Ovechkin Defends Putin Ad

In a softer but symbolic move, NHL star Alexander Ovechkin defended appearing in a United Russia campaign ad, telling reporters: “I’m Russian, and I support my country” Source: Al Jazeera. Ovechkin, 41, said he hopes for peace but will return to Russia after his career. For expats, this is a reminder that even apolitical figures are used to legitimise the regime.

What’s Next?

With a supermajority, war veterans in parliament, and seized assets, Putin is consolidating power for the long haul. The EU and the Netherlands will likely respond with further sanctions. If you are an expat in the Netherlands, keep an eye on energy prices, sanctions updates from the Dutch government, and any new measures targeting Russian assets or individuals in your sector.