MOSCOW: Ukraine launched what Moscow officials called the largest drone attack yet on the Russian capital on Sunday. The attack came as Russians cast ballots on the final day of parliamentary elections.
The strikes killed two people in the Moscow region, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Two more people died in Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine’s Kherson region, according to Russian election authorities. An oil refinery in Moscow also suffered damage.
Sobyanin said Russian air defenses stopped the attack. He called it an unprecedented assault and accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the elections. Kyiv has not publicly claimed responsibility for the strikes.
Drone attack hits Moscow during election
The attack came on the third and final day of voting for Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of parliament.
This is the first parliamentary election since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
President Vladimir Putin has presented the election as a test of public support for his government and the Russian military. He has also linked the vote to Russia’s wider conflict with Ukraine.
The ruling United Russia party is expected to maintain its control of parliament. However, opposition groups face tight restrictions, and authorities have barred many candidates who oppose the war.
Cyberattacks reported during voting
Russian election officials said voting continued despite reported cyberattacks against the country’s online voting system.
Interfax reported that turnout had passed 50% by early Sunday afternoon. The news agency cited figures from Russia’s Central Election Commission.
The election has also drawn attention to restrictions on political opposition. Candidates and activists who criticize the war face legal pressure.
Russian authorities can impose lengthy prison sentences on people accused of spreading what the government calls false information about the military.
Opposition faces restrictions
The liberal Yabloko party was among the opposition groups allowed to contest the election. However, several of its senior figures have received lengthy prison sentences over statements about the war.
Yabloko leader Nikolai Rybakov staged a symbolic protest by spoiling his ballot. He wrote the party’s name on the ballot along with the words “For peace.”
The Kremlin says restrictions on political activity and media freedom are necessary during what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Russian officials also describe the war as part of a wider confrontation with the West. They have accused Ukraine and its allies of trying to destabilize Russia.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has rejected the Russian parliamentary election as illegitimate. Kyiv has pointed to martial law in Ukraine and Russia’s control of parts of Ukrainian territory.
Economic pressure could shape vote
United Russia is expected to remain the dominant political force. Still, analysts say economic difficulties and public concerns about the war could affect support for smaller parties.
The Communist Party and New People party could attract some voters dissatisfied with the government. However, both parties have generally supported the Kremlin on major issues.
Before voting began, Putin said the election would demonstrate national unity and support for Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.
The first results were expected from around 1800 GMT on Sunday. More complete results were expected on Monday.
