The United Russia political party was created in Moscow to unify pro-government forces under a single banner, strengthening the political landscape in Russia following the tumultuous years of the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union. The party emerged from the merger of several parties and organizations, including the Unity party, which had been formed shortly before the 1999 parliamentary elections. This consolidation allowed for a more organized opposition to the leftist factions and regional parties that previously dominated the political scene. The founding convention was a significant gathering of key political figures, including Vladimir Putin himself, who, at the time, was poised to consolidate his power as president.

The rationale behind the establishment of United Russia lay in the desire to create a stable political environment under the leadership of Putin. This party acted as a vehicle for his policies and initiatives, promoting a platform of order, stability, and economic development. The party's slogan, "Russia united," highlighted its goal of national unity and support for the central government. Over the years, especially after Putin’s first election as president, United Russia grew to become the dominant force in Russian politics, securing a majority in the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, in subsequent elections.