Russia has vowed to intensify its strikes on Kyiv following a major Ukrainian drone attack, as an exit poll indicated that the ruling party was on course to retain its majority in parliamentary elections.
The drone attacks reportedly killed two people in the Moscow region and two others in the Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s Kherson region, including an election official. A facility at an oil refinery in the Moscow region was also damaged.
Russian authorities described the assault as one of the largest drone attacks targeting the country and said it was intended to disrupt the ongoing elections. Authorities said the attacks failed to prevent voting from continuing.
The State Duma election is the first parliamentary vote since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ruling party is expected to retain its majority, with the outcome likely to be presented as an indication of public support for the government’s policies and its approach to the war.
Election authorities said voting over the three-day period continued despite cyberattacks reported during the election. Voter turnout had exceeded 50 per cent by early afternoon in Moscow, according to preliminary figures.
Final election results are expected to be announced on Monday.
The Russian president had urged citizens to participate in the election, saying the vote would demonstrate support for troops involved in the conflict in Ukraine. The government has repeatedly portrayed the election as a reflection of national unity and public backing for its policies.
Most candidates opposed to the war have been barred from contesting the election. Candidates from a liberal opposition party who were allowed to participate have also raised concerns about political pressure and legal consequences linked to public comments about the conflict.
