Russia reports cyber attacks on voting system during parliamentary election

Russian authorities have reported several cyber attacks on the country's voting systems as parliamentary elections took place between September 18 and 20. The Kremlin is expected to use the election result as proof of public support for President Vladimir Putin's policies, especially his actions in Ukraine. Russian authorities have reported multiple attacks on the online voting system in Moscow, but the Central Election Commission reported that the situation is under control.

The attacks continued, but were successfully repelled, according to Ella Pamfilova, head of the Central Election Commission.

Separately, Russia's digital ministry reported a sabotage attempt on communication lines in the Far East, but it was thwarted and communication was restored. President Putin accused Ukraine of interfering with the vote, but provided no evidence. The election has sparked a diplomatic dispute with Moldova over plans to open polling stations for Russian citizens in the separatist Transnistria region.

Russia claims 220,000 pro-Russian residents of Transnistria, a breakaway region from Moldova, are eligible to vote in the election. However, Moldova's Western-leaning government disputes the figure and opposes any polling stations in Transnistria, which they control. The Kremlin is likely to cite the election results as evidence of widespread support for Putin's policies, particularly his actions in Ukraine.