Russian state agency retracts report on 86 war veterans getting Duma seats

Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti has taken down an article reporting that 86 participants in Russia's invasion of Ukraine would receive State Duma mandates as members of the United Russia faction. The independent investigative outlet Agentstvo drew attention to the removal.

The original report was based on remarks by Vladimir Yakushev, secretary of United Russia's general council, made at a press conference. He said that roughly 86 participants in the so-called "special military operation" would receive mandates, calling it a serious contribution to the State Duma, and also mentioned two Young Guard members who won seats in the election. Yakushev stressed at the time that these were still preliminary results.

Article now marked "Retracted"

The RIA Novosti article now carries the headline "Retracted." The outlet stated that the report is being withdrawn at the request of United Russia's press service, pending clarification of the data.

After the press conference, Yakushev gave a different number to Russian state agency TASS, saying that 49 war participants would receive State Duma mandates from United Russia.

Other figures from the Central Election Commission

Central Election Commission head Ella Pamfilova had earlier said that 186 war participants and veterans registered as candidates for the State Duma election. Of these, 110 appeared on political parties' federal lists, while 76 ran in single-member districts. United Russia itself had previously announced that 82 war participants were running as candidates from the party.