Pro-Kremlin party retains large majority in Russian parliament

(Evgeniy Sofiychuk/PA)

Russia’s ruling party has retained its supermajority in parliament, cementing President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power in elections that most opposition politicians were barred from and that were marred by multiple reports of violations.

The vote has been watched closely for any signs that Mr Putin’s control might slip, however slightly, ahead of the 2024 presidential election.