According to reports from the media outlet "Meduza," Kremlin-aligned media are intensifying their efforts to influence public opinion ahead of the September State Duma elections. Sources from two Russian news portals indicated that representatives from the ruling party, United Russia, are sending press releases to these outlets, with instructions from the Putin administration to prioritize this information. The intent is to shape a favorable narrative regarding the government's initiatives, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin's strategy appears to be a continuation of a model that has been in place for the last two decades, focusing on positive news dissemination in the months leading up to elections. Recent coverage includes new housing allocations for police and the Russian National Guard, as well as benefits for participants in the war against Ukraine. By flooding the information space with favorable portrayals of government actions, the Kremlin aims to bolster public support for the ruling party and its policies.

This manipulation of media narratives raises questions about the state of free press and political discourse within Russia. As the elections approach, the reliance on state-controlled narratives by Kremlin-affiliated media underscores the challenges faced by independent journalism in providing unbiased information to the public. Ultimately, the implications of these tactics could significantly affect the electoral landscape and voter perceptions in the upcoming elections.