United Russia, led by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, won a clear victory. It increased its share of seats from 53% to 76% in the 450-member State Duma. Three other parties, which were generally supportive to the presidency in the outgoing legislature, maintained their parliamentary representation with a significantly reduced number of seats. The Communist Party (KPRF), led by Mr. Gennady Zyuganov, remained the second largest party. The Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) of Mr. Vladimir Zhirinovsky became the third largest party, ahead of A Just Russia, led by the former Chairman of the Council of the Republic, Mr. Sergey Mironov. The main opposition parties - Yabloko and People's Freedom Party (PARNAS) – failed to win parliamentary representation.

The elections also took place in Crimea, a Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia in 2014, and these were contested by Ukraine and other countries. The annexation triggered economic sanctions against Russia from the US, the European Union and other countries. Russia's economy officially entered into recession in 2015. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Medvedev called on voters' support, stating that the country was "under pressure from outside forces" and needed to come together. President Vladimir Putin promised to provide "stability in society and the political system".