A Ukrainian missile strike and drone attack have left two dead and an oil refinery ablaze in western Russia, escalating tensions on the second day of the presidential election, which President Vladimir Putin has accused Kyiv of attempting to disrupt.
The ongoing Ukraine conflict has cast a shadow over the three-day presidential election, likely securing Putin another six years in office despite scattered protests. The head of the electoral commission, Ella Pamfilova, reported numerous incidents of ballot tampering and attempted arson.
In the Belgorod region, where cross-border attacks from Ukraine have become routine, a man and a woman were reported dead, with fires and air raid sirens echoing through the streets of Belgorod city. Meanwhile, in the Samara region, a refinery was set ablaze, marking the latest in a series of strikes targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure.
While Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed to repel Ukrainian forces attempting to breach the border, Governor Gladkov announced closures of schools and shopping centers in response to the volatile situation.
Despite Putin’s firm grip on power, the election has faced criticism, with opposition figures either imprisoned or in exile. The death of prominent opposition politician Alexei Navalny has further fueled accusations of foul play, though the Kremlin denies any involvement.
Turnout, a crucial measure of support for Putin, surpassed 50%, with particularly high numbers in regions affected by Ukrainian attacks. As Sunday approaches, Navalny’s supporters plan mass protests across the country, challenging Putin’s authority.
Pamfilova condemned attempts to disrupt voting, threatening perpetrators with imprisonment. Meanwhile, Russia’s governing party, United Russia, reported cyberattacks aimed at destabilizing web traffic, blaming Ukraine and Western nations for the unprecedented assault.