Lead

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russia is actively preparing for the upcoming State Duma elections, with no postponement under consideration, while also warning that Kiev faces an 'irreversible defeat' on the front line. His comments, reported by TASS, covered a range of topics from election logistics to international tensions and the health of the central bank governor.

Coverage Comparison

TASS's reporting from June 24 emphasized two distinct aspects of Peskov's statements. One report focused on the parliamentary election preparations, noting that voting will take place from September 18 to 20, and that residents of Donbass and Novorossiya will participate for the first time. Another TASS report highlighted Peskov's assessment of the situation in Ukraine, where he said the front line is 'getting worse by the day' for Kiev and that the Kiev regime 'will soon be faced with irreversible processes.'

A separate TASS report from June 11, quoting Peskov's earlier briefing, covered the president's schedule, election timing, and the sick leave of Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina. That report did not touch on the Ukraine conflict but instead focused on domestic and international policy matters.

Key Claims

State Duma Election Preparations

Peskov confirmed that preparations for the State Duma elections are in progress and that they have been 'announced by presidential decree.' He ruled out any postponement, answering 'No' to a reporter's question on the matter. Voting is scheduled for September 18-20, 2026, according to TASS, and will be held 'in full compliance with Russian law.' The election will fill seats in the ninth State Duma, with approximately 23,000 seats contested across regional legislative assemblies and top official positions.

Residents of Donbass and Novorossiya will participate in the Duma elections for the first time, a development noted in TASS's reports. The presidential decree scheduling the election will be signed 'within the appropriate timeframe stipulated by law,' Peskov said, adding that the Kremlin does not announce such timing in advance.

Front Line Situation and Kiev's Defeat

Peskov argued that the situation on the front line is deteriorating for Kiev, stating that Russian troops are 'advancing along the entire line of engagement.' He predicted that the Kiev regime 'will soon be faced with irreversible processes at a certain moment in time,' describing the trend as an 'imminent and irreversible defeat.'

He also said that the Kiev regime 'may yet be held accountable for its crimes,' asserting that 'crimes are evident and they are being recorded and archived.' Peskov added that 'nobody will forget this,' suggesting potential future prosecution. Regarding Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure, he said their consequences will be minimized, calling it a task for the military and other agencies.

US-Iran Escalation

Peskov expressed Russia's concern over the latest escalation between the US and Iran, calling on all parties to 'exercise restraint' and return to negotiations. He warned that another round of escalation 'is fraught with new, additional negative consequences' for the regional situation and the international economy.

Banking Sector and Nabiullina

Peskov stated that the situation in the banking sector is 'stable and under control,' without providing further details. He also confirmed that Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina is on sick leave, a topic from his June 11 briefing.

Putin's Schedule and Other Topics

Peskov announced that President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council on the day of the briefing. He also said that Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will hold a meeting soon, though he declined to provide specifics. Asked about possible greetings ahead of US Independence Day, Peskov declined to comment on whether Putin will extend congratulations.