‘Peace’ Becomes Dangerous Word in Russian City Ahead of Polls

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Tambov: Voters in Tambov are preparing to cast their ballots in Russia’s parliamentary elections as the city grapples with growing concerns over Ukrainian drone strikes. The attacks have brought the war closer to residents of the city, located around 500 kilometres southeast of Moscow.

A Wildberries warehouse near Tambov was struck by a Ukrainian drone in July, leaving seven people dead and 25 others injured. Another attack the following month destroyed the facility, which had provided jobs to around 5,000 people. The incidents have heightened security concerns ahead of voting from September 18 to 20.

The election campaign has also exposed the limited space for anti-war messaging in Russia. Yana Zenkina, a 32-year-old candidate from the Yabloko party, has publicly called for an end to Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine. She said the word “peace” has become politically sensitive, while local television reportedly refused to broadcast her campaign videos after authorities cited alleged signs of extremism.

Other candidates have defended continuing the conflict. Communist Party candidate Andrei Zhidkov has argued that accepting peace proposals during wartime would be dangerous and said Russia should continue fighting. Zenkina, meanwhile, says many residents are weary of the conflict and increasingly want stability and a return to ordinary life.