Ukrainian Drones Strike Russia on Election Day
Ukrainian drones launch a coordinated strike on Russia during the crucial moments of the presidential election, causing a stir in the political landscape. The unexpected attack adds tension to the already intense voting period in Russia.
A total of 36 Ukrainian drones were launched overnight towards Russia on the third and final day of voting in Russia's presidential election. The drones targeted various parts of the country, including the capital Moscow, as reported by Russia's Ministry of Defense on Sunday.
Russian air defense forces successfully intercepted and destroyed a total of 4 drones over Moscow and Yaroslavl, 3 each over Belgorod and Kursk, 2 over Kaluga, and single drones over Rostov, Oryol, and Bryansk. Additionally, 17 drones were taken down in Krasnodar Krai, as reported by the Ministry of Defense and regional officials on Telegram.
In Krasnodar Krai, a tragic incident occurred when a fire broke out at an oil refinery in Slavyansk district, resulting in the unfortunate death of one person. According to the district’s Dispatch Service, the cause of death was determined to be a heart attack.
In Belgorod, near the border with Ukraine, a 16-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a shelling incident. The governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, shared this heartbreaking news on Telegram. Additionally, the girl's father sustained serious injuries including a head injury, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning when their home caught on fire.
As a result of increased attacks from Ukraine, the authorities in Belgorod have been compelled to take measures such as closing schools and malls to ensure the safety of the residents.
A polling station in the Russian-controlled part of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region was targeted by two Ukrainian drones on Sunday, as reported by Vladimir Rogov, a member of the Russian-installed Zaporizhzhia administration. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
In a separate incident, Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted and brought down 14 drones over the Odesa region on Sunday. These drones were launched by Russia overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Tragically, at least 20 individuals lost their lives on Friday due to a double missile strike by Russian forces on the city of Odesa.
Vladimir Putin, who is expected to win a fifth term in power, has warned that there will be consequences for attacks on the Ukrainian border.
Voting began on Friday and will run until Sunday in all of Russia's 11 time zones. This includes areas like the far eastern regions near Alaska and the western exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Coast. It also covers the country's 88 federal subjects, which includes parts of Ukraine that were illegally annexed by Russia after the invasion two years ago.
With most opposition candidates either deceased, imprisoned, exiled, prohibited from running, or merely symbolic figures, it is almost certain that Putin will emerge victorious. He has effectively held the position of Russia's head of state since the late 1990s.
Putin's potential reelection would mean his rule continues until at least 2030. Thanks to constitutional amendments in 2020, he could run for office again and potentially remain in power until 2036, surpassing even Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin as Russia's longest-serving leader.
CNN’s Christian Edwards contributed reporting.
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