Russian Duma Campaign Under War Shadow: In Tambov, voters head to the Sept. 18-20 parliamentary vote with little faith in real competition, but insist turnout matters as Ukraine drone attacks hit the home front. Symbolic Strikes: Russia hit Zelensky’s former Kvartal 95 studio in Kyiv, with analysts reading the move as an attempt to erase the president’s past and project reach after battlefield setbacks. Controlled Elections, Coercion Questions: Commentary says United Russia’s win is expected, while the real story will be turnout, vote margins, and how hard the Kremlin leans on society. US Sanctions Leap, Tariff Firestorm: The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (262-159), sending it to Trump; it targets Russia’s energy, defense, officials, and “shadow fleet,” and authorizes tariffs up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas buyers—raising alarms for India and China. Ukraine Frontline Blowback: Ukrainian drones killed a Russian general recently awarded Hero of Russia after a disputed “Kostiantynivka capture” claim. NATO Warning From Lavrov: Lavrov again warned that if Europe attacks Russia, war would be “very short,” while insisting Moscow has no interest in attacking Europe. Armenia Base Debate: Armenia’s PM and officials say the 102nd Russian base issue wasn’t raised by Yerevan, while Lavrov argues EU integration should be settled via referendum. Ovechkin in United Russia Ad: The Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was “asked” to appear in a pro-Putin campaign video, drawing backlash from US lawmakers. Berlin Russian House Closure: Germany moves to shut the Russian House of Science and Culture, citing a terminated cultural agreement and escalating wartime propaganda.