On Sunday, the final day of parliamentary elections, Ukraine launched its most severe drone attack to date on the Russian capital, Moscow. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described it as the largest attack of its kind. President Vladimir Putin has framed this election as a test of support for his war against Ukraine. Sunday marks the last day of voting. News agency Reuters reports that at least two people were killed in the attack on the Moscow region, while another two died in Ukraine’s Kherson region.
Russia occupies and controls the Kherson region, where voting also took place. One of the two fatalities there was an election official. An oil refinery in Moscow had previously been targeted, and Sunday’s attack caused further damage to the facility. However, Mayor Sobyanin stated in a Telegram post that the drones involved in this major enemy attack were intercepted. The surprise assault was clearly intended to disrupt the election, but the enemy failed to achieve that goal. It is worth noting that voting is underway for the State Duma in an election effectively devoid of opposition parties; the ruling United Russia party is expected to easily retain its majority.
Consequently, President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power will be further strengthened. He is likely to present the election results as evidence of public support for his policies and the war effort. The conflict has now entered its fifth year, with no signs of an imminent end. Election officials reported that voting took place over three days and proceeded smoothly, despite a cyberattack on Saturday.
