Russlands Parlamentswahl: Schwerste Drohnenschläge überschatten Russlands Duma-Wahl

Russia's parliamentary election overshadowed by massive Ukrainian drone strikes during the final day of a three-day voting period. Central Election Commission leader Ella Pamfilowa described the attacks as unprecedented, aimed at sabotaging the new State Duma election. Foreign foes attempting to interfere with the vote, both through cyberattacks on online voting and drone assaults, have been unsuccessful thus far.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin views the election primarily as a referendum on continuing his war against Ukraine. Initial results were expected after the last polling stations closed in Kaliningrad, formerly known as Königsberg, at 8 pm Moscow time. Pamfilowa reported that officials, including in areas controlled by Moscow, organized a smooth voting process despite significant dangers and adverse conditions.

The United Russia party expected a substantial victory. Kremlin leader Putin also threatened Ukraine a week ago, warning against holding elections in wartime, even calling it a "dictatorship." Ukraine retaliated primarily against targets in Moscow and its surrounding areas, with Mayor Sergei Sobyanin describing it as the "largest enemy drone attack on Moscow," though it was thwarted.

At least three people died and 20 were injured in Ukrainian attacks. Governor Andrei Worobey also reported at least 20 injured in Ukrainian assaults. Moskauer Bürgermeister: Beispielloser Angriff, stating that 450 drones were shot down, although some reached the oil refinery. The refinery had been a target of Ukrainian counterattacks before.

On the evening of the first day of voting, the voter turnout exceeded the 50% mark, following official reports of 51.7% turnout in the 2021 election. In the largest country in the world, spanning 11 time zones, the first polling stations opened in Sakhalin region at 12 pm Moscow time (11 am CST). Early on the first day, the anti-war party Jabloko and other forces complained about election irregularities, including restrictions on observers and pressure on individuals to participate in the vote.

Many voters also reported receiving pre-filled ballots and being registered unknowingly for online voting. Selenskyj confirmed drone attacks against Moscow, citing weapons used, including drones, Scud missiles, and a ballistic missile from a Ukrainian company called Fire Point, which reportedly has a range of up to 200 kilometers.

This marks the first known use of the weapon. The Central Election Commission accused Ukraine of violence in occupied territories, alleging that two people, including a member of a voting commission, were killed in a drone attack on a bus in Crimea. However, these claims cannot be independently verified. The international community views holding elections in occupied territories as a violation of international law, and voting also took place in the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, though Ukraine does not recognize the results.