In a recent development, Russia has accused Ukraine of orchestrating "terrorist activities" aimed at disrupting its presidential election, which is expected to secure President Vladimir Putin another term in office. Former President Dmitry Medvedev condemned the scattered protests occurring during the voting process, labeling the participants as "traitors."
Allegedly, Ukraine intensified its "terrorist activities," including a drone attack on a voting station in a Russian-controlled area of Zaporizhzhia region. While the incident caused no injuries, it has raised concerns about the election's legitimacy. However, Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to these allegations.
Meanwhile, Ella Pamfilova, the head of the electoral commission, reported multiple attempts to sabotage the voting process, including tampering with ballot boxes and attempted arson. Medvedev warned that those involved could face severe punishment, equating their actions with aiding Ukrainian attacks on Russian cities.
As the election enters its final day, supporters of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny have called for nationwide protests against Putin. The situation has been further complicated by reports of attempted attacks by saboteurs near the border regions of Belgorod and Kursk, which the Kremlin claims to have thwarted. Ukrainian intelligence officials have described these armed groups as Russians opposed to the Kremlin.
In response to these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized Ukraine's ability to exploit vulnerabilities in the "Russian war machine" and highlighted recent attacks targeting Russia's energy industry. The escalating tensions come amid Putin's undisputed dominance in Russian politics, with his reelection seen as a foregone conclusion. Despite facing little competition from other candidates, Putin seeks to demonstrate widespread support, as evidenced by the high voter turnout. However, cyberattacks targeting Russia's governing party have added to the election's uncertainty, with authorities attributing these attacks to Ukraine and Western countries.
