Putin Urges Russians to Vote Amid Increased Attacks on Border Regions with Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to vote for him in the upcoming presidential election on Thursday, as Kyiv increased attacks on Russian border regions.
Putin, a former KGB agent, is expected to extend his rule for another six years.
The Kremlin portrays the election as a show of support for Russia's assault on Ukraine.
In response, Kyiv has intensified aerial bombardment, resulting in deaths and injuries in the Russian regions of Belgorod and Kursk.
Putin acknowledged the difficulties the country is facing and urged Russians to support him.
Putin called for unity and self-confidence among Russians as all major critics of his regime are either dead, in prison, or in exile.
The few competitors to stand against him in the recent election were blocked.
Notably, Putin's most prominent opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in an Arctic prison colony while serving a 19-year sentence for "extremism" charges.
In related news, Kyiv launched significant aerial attacks in the ongoing conflict, resulting in one death in the Russian region of Belgorod.
A woman was killed and several were injured in a second aerial attack, according to a social media post by an unnamed source.
Pro-Ukrainian paramilitaries claimed to be increasing attacks and incursions in Russian border regions, specifically Belgorod and Kursk.
Three pro-Kyiv volunteer groups called for civilians to be evacuated from these regions, blaming the governors for any casualties.
Russia denies the militias' claims of gaining ground and reported that its national guard had repelled an attack near the village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region.
The Russian defense ministry reported repelling an attack by Ukrainian forces attempting to enter the Belgorod region through the village of Spodariushino.
They released videos of air strikes on a supposed Ukrainian sabotage group.
This incident occurred before Russia's presidential election in the Far East, scheduled for March 15-17.
Since the late 1990s, Vladimir Putin has been in power as president or prime minister, overseeing a crackdown on domestic dissent and an aggressive foreign policy.
A victory in the election would allow him to extend his tenure until at least 2030, surpassing the record of Catherine the Great.
Putin urged Russians to use the election to demonstrate their support for his leadership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to stay united in defending Russia's freedom, sovereignty, and security in a video message.
Early voting for elections in occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, is currently underway.
Ukraine considers these elections on its territory illegal.
In the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, controlled by Russian forces, pop-up polling stations were set up in the streets and on car hoods, displaying a red, white, and blue 'V' logo, an army symbol used in support of the military offensive.
Ukraine's foreign ministry has labeled the ongoing Russian elections a "farce" and urged the international community not to acknowledge the results.
In response, Russia's opposition is planning anti-Putin protests on Sunday, the last day of voting.
The Kremlin portrays the election as a show of support for Russia's assault on Ukraine.
In response, Kyiv has intensified aerial bombardment, resulting in deaths and injuries in the Russian regions of Belgorod and Kursk.
Putin acknowledged the difficulties the country is facing and urged Russians to support him.
Putin called for unity and self-confidence among Russians as all major critics of his regime are either dead, in prison, or in exile.
The few competitors to stand against him in the recent election were blocked.
Notably, Putin's most prominent opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in an Arctic prison colony while serving a 19-year sentence for "extremism" charges.
In related news, Kyiv launched significant aerial attacks in the ongoing conflict, resulting in one death in the Russian region of Belgorod.
A woman was killed and several were injured in a second aerial attack, according to a social media post by an unnamed source.
Pro-Ukrainian paramilitaries claimed to be increasing attacks and incursions in Russian border regions, specifically Belgorod and Kursk.
Three pro-Kyiv volunteer groups called for civilians to be evacuated from these regions, blaming the governors for any casualties.
Russia denies the militias' claims of gaining ground and reported that its national guard had repelled an attack near the village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region.
The Russian defense ministry reported repelling an attack by Ukrainian forces attempting to enter the Belgorod region through the village of Spodariushino.
They released videos of air strikes on a supposed Ukrainian sabotage group.
This incident occurred before Russia's presidential election in the Far East, scheduled for March 15-17.
Since the late 1990s, Vladimir Putin has been in power as president or prime minister, overseeing a crackdown on domestic dissent and an aggressive foreign policy.
A victory in the election would allow him to extend his tenure until at least 2030, surpassing the record of Catherine the Great.
Putin urged Russians to use the election to demonstrate their support for his leadership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to stay united in defending Russia's freedom, sovereignty, and security in a video message.
Early voting for elections in occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, is currently underway.
Ukraine considers these elections on its territory illegal.
In the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, controlled by Russian forces, pop-up polling stations were set up in the streets and on car hoods, displaying a red, white, and blue 'V' logo, an army symbol used in support of the military offensive.
Ukraine's foreign ministry has labeled the ongoing Russian elections a "farce" and urged the international community not to acknowledge the results.
In response, Russia's opposition is planning anti-Putin protests on Sunday, the last day of voting.