Moscow, Sept. 21 -- Russia's ruling United Russia party, which backs President Vladimir Putin, is leading the country's State Duma elections with 57.5 per cent of the vote, according to initial results, as the parliamentary polls were held against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to CNN, final results are not expected before September 25. Initial data from Russia's Central Election Commission showed United Russia comfortably ahead after the three-day voting process ended on Sunday.

The election is the first State Duma vote since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin has presented the election as an indication of public support for the country's military and political course.

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