Russian President Vladimir Putin urged citizens on Thursday to demonstrate "patriotism" hours before the country's legislative elections kicked off.

In a video released on the Kremlin's website late Thursday, Putin expressed that he relied on citizen's senses of duty, composure, and patriotism, in order to elect representatives who will benefit the nation.

The President's virtual speech came hours before a three-day electoral marathon, which includes legislative elections and dozens of regional polls. 

The spokesman for the Kremlin Dmitry Peskov revealed that electronic voting may be possible due to the President's Quarantine, as dozens of Covid-19 cases have been detected amidst the President's entourage.

108 million Russians were summoned to the polls to vote for the 450 members of the Chamber of Deputies (Doma), half of whom were elected using the proportional list method and the other half using the majority system.

Ukraine condemns Russian legislative elections in Crimea 

On Thursday, Ukraine condemned the Russian legislative elections in Crimea, annexed by Moscow, as well as the participation of pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in the voting. 

During a press conference, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba expressed that Russia is violating international law by holding its national elections in these regions.