Russia is holding its first legislative elections during wartime, scheduled from September 18 to 20, 2026. These elections aim to integrate veterans into the political system, present the annexation of Ukrainian territories as an administrative formality, and project a sense of normality to a war-weary population. Soldiers will vote from their units, and special procedures will regulate voting in front-line areas and occupied territories. Eleven single-member constituencies have been delineated on Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia, some extending to cities not under Russian control. The elections are part of an effort to normalize the ongoing conflict, which has lasted over twelve years. The Kremlin has largely maintained a strategy of isolating the majority of Russians from the invasion, while dismantling significant opposition. Iabloko, the only registered party openly opposed to the war, was removed from the electoral lists in August, despite a rise in its popularity. The elections serve two contradictory objectives: projecting controlled normality while demonstrating public support for the war aims of the Kremlin. The war must be visible enough to legitimize veterans, the annexation, and the continuing sacrifices, yet remain distant enough for the vote to still give the impression of a time of peace. The return of veterans presents a growing challenge for the Kremlin. An estimated 2.5 million people have been mobilized for combat, with at least 400,000 returning from the front, and 700,000 more expected if the war ends. Veterans return with hopes of a privileged status, combat networks, and grievances accumulated during the war. The Kremlin seeks to prevent this group from developing its own interests and organizations, rewarding individual loyalty instead through employment plans, reserved positions, professional retraining, and bonuses. In 2024, a project called L'Ère des héros was launched to rapidly promote veterans and other contributors to the war effort to positions within the state. Russia United, the main political party, has been the primary vector for creating a new warrior caste, with 12% of its candidates registered as veterans. The Central Election Commission authorized 1,586 veterans to run in various elections, and 308 Russia United veterans had won local and regional elections by 2024. The Kremlin has set up a quota for veterans, favoring administratively loyal and politically inexperienced candidates. Some veterans, such as Vladislav Golovine and Edward Chonov, have been placed on the federal list of Russia United alongside high-profile figures like Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. The integration of veterans into the political system is intended to ensure their loyalty without allowing them to reshape the existing structure. The war's impact on the elections is evident, with communist deputies openly claiming that the economy cannot support a long-term war. Kyiv's strikes in Russia are redrawing the geography of insecurity and preventing Moscow from normalizing the annexation. During the summer oil crisis, Putin rejected Zelensky's offer of a mutual moratorium on strikes against the rear, choosing to keep the war visible despite the instincts of his own electoral list.