Russian election authorities said Wednesday that they have registered nearly 1,600 Ukraine war veterans to run as candidates in federal, regional and local elections taking place next month.

A total of 1,586 war veterans out of 1,668 who had filed for nomination were cleared to run, Central Election Commission chief Ella Pamfilova said. 

At least 200 veterans have been nominated for seats in the 450-member State Duma, she added. One veteran is running for governor.

“I’m confident that our voters will show them total support and trust,” Pamfilova was quoted as saying at a press conference by the Interfax news agency.  

In March 2025, reports indicated that the Kremlin planned to place up to 100 Ukraine war veterans into the State Duma this year in what was described as the “easiest” way to integrate them into government. 

That number would account for more than one-fifth of the lower house of parliament’s seats.

Pamfilova called the veteran candidates “more than worthy” and said their election into public office would serve as “major proof of the renewal of our legislative body.”

President Vladimir Putin has hailed Ukraine war veterans as Russia’s “new elite.” Several state-backed programs have since worked to elevate thousands of them into government positions.

Pamfilova said 1,486 of the nominated veterans were backed by political parties, but did not specify which party had the most nominees. Another 100 are running as self-nominated independent candidates, she told reporters.

In the September 2024 elections, 308 war veterans representing United Russia won in local and regional races.

Pamfilova added that more than 2 million voters said they wanted to vote online during the September elections.