STORY: Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared on Saturday (August 22) at the conference of Russia's ruling 'United Russia' party, ahead of elections to the lower house of Russia's parliament, the State Duma, next month.

"Now, a lot depends on our unity, on the courage of Russian soldiers and officers, on everyone who works conscientiously in their place to contribute to the victory. I am confident our soldiers will not let us down," Putin said.

Putin praised United Russia ahead of the polls, saying that he wished the party success at next month's election.

'United Russia' has traditionally not been as popular as Putin, who the party has strongly supported since its formation in 2001.

Putin also struck a strong line on Ukraine during his speech at the party conference, saying that Ukrainian strikes on Russia were driven by what he called a deteriorating situation for Kyiv on the frontline.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (AUGUST 22, 2026) (RUSSIAN POOL - Access all)

1. NATIONAL RUSSIAN FLAG BEING SHOWN AT 'UNITED RUSSIA' PARTY MEETING

2. AUDIENCE STANDING AND LISTENING TO RUSSIAN NATIONAL HYMN

3. MEETING IN PROGRESS

4. VARIOUS OF RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN ARRIVING AT SCENE

5. 'UNITED RUSSIA' PARTY CHAIRMAN AND FORMER RUSSIAN PRESIDENT DMITRY MEDVEDEV (CENTRE) LISTENING TO PUTIN

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING: (SOUNDBITE STARTS OVER MEDVEDEV LISTENING / VARIOUS OF AUDIENCE THROUGHOUT)

"The special military operation continues. And the more difficult the situation on the front lines becomes for the enemy, the more brutal and barbaric the attacks carried out by the Kyiv regime. This reveals the full neo-Nazi, Bandera and Russophobic essence of the force we are fighting. Now, a lot depends on our unity, on the courage of Russian soldiers and officers, on everyone who works conscientiously in their place to contribute to the victory. I am confident our soldiers will not let us down."

7. PUTIN BEING SEEN AT SMARTPHONE SCREEN

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"I am confident that the upcoming (parliamentary) elections will confirm the stability of the state, the maturity of our political system, its ability to withstand any external threats, blackmail, and aggression, and will become an expression of the common will of millions of people and their desire to ensure Russia's sovereignty and security."

9. VARIOUS OF AUDIENCE STANDING AND APPLAUDING

10. VARIOUS OF PUTIN ON STAGE