Russian security chiefs lobby Putin to delay upcoming State Duma elections

One of the officials, quoted by the publication, stated that "talk about postponing, or in fact, canceling, the elections in the near future" began as early as the spring of 2026, driven by mounting budget deficits, inflation, widespread cost-cutting, and mass layoffs. Discussions regarding the cancellation or postponement of the elections "significantly intensified" following Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow.

“It’s clear that [the situation] is only getting worse and this always affects the government's approval ratings. Given all the oversight measures, holding elections under such conditions is a daring undertaking. And in their [philosophy], no man, no problem,” the Meduza source said.

The source added that the Siloviki were guided by this “philosophy” when blocking internet access to restrict independent media and when tightening immigration laws following the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack. However, the source clarified that postponing the State Duma elections currently remains “confined to preliminary discussions”.

"There are no documents on the president's desk, and perhaps there won't be any," Meduza quoted its source as saying.

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Siloviki suggested canceling gubernatorial elections, but advisers persuaded Putin against the move.

"If elections are cancelled, it means something is wrong in the country, and that the authorities are afraid of the results," the source stated.

The primary arguments used by the Siloviki to lobby for the cancellation are the deteriorating economic situation and the declining approval ratings of the ruling United Russia party. According to Meduza’s sources, this security faction is opposed by Security Council Deputy Chair Dmitry Medvedev, alongside the presidential administration's political and information blocs.

Putin himself supports holding the elections, which are of particular importance to the dictator, according to a Meduza source close to his administration.

"First of all, there are no elections in Ukraine, but we have them. This is a serious political issue,” the source told Meduza.

“Secondly, canceling the vote will mean admitting that our plans have been derailed and the situation is extraordinary. For now, we are doing everything possible to project that everything is normal.”

One legal avenue to postpone the vote involves declaring a state of emergency or martial law. Under the Law on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights, the current parliament would remain in office until those restrictions are lifted, according to electoral law expert Andrey Buzin. Crucially, declaring martial law or a state of emergency would only be necessary in specific regions rather than nationwide to trigger a delay. The same statute allows for a postponement if a state of high alert is declared.

State Duma elections are officially scheduled to take place from Sept. 18 to 20, according to the Central Election Commission. A Meduza source described the scheduled vote as the "baseline scenario" and a "success for civilian officials”.

"Once the date is officially set, it becomes much more difficult to cancel or postpone the elections," he believes.