Putin, a former KGB agent, has been in power since 1999 and is presenting the election as a show of support for his military actions in Ukraine, which is entering its third year.

Polling stations opened in the Far East and will close in Kaliningrad on Sunday.

Putin's victory would allow him to stay in power until 2030, making him the longest-serving Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 18th century.

The election comes amid fresh attacks in Ukraine, bringing the conflict closer to Russian territory.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin called for unity and support as Russians began voting in the country's parliamentary elections.

Both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of killing civilians in overnight aerial strikes.

Putin expressed confidence in Russia's ability to defend its freedom, sovereignty, and security, following recent territorial gains in Ukraine.

At home, Putin's most prominent critic, Alexei Navalny, died in prison last month, after being convicted on "extremism" charges.

Russia held a presidential election on March 18, 2023, with Vladimir Putin running for re-election.

The election was criticized by Western governments and Kyiv as a "sham" and "farce." In Moscow, some residents queued to vote, expressing support for Putin and his promises to increase employment and ensure stability.

With most of Putin's major opponents either dead, in prison, or in exile, the outcome of the election was expected to be a victory for Putin, with a state-run pollster predicting he would secure over 80% of the votes.

Voting was held in eastern Ukraine, a region occupied by Russia, with armed soldiers accompanying election officials.

Kyiv and the EU labeled the election a "farce" and "illegal." EU chief Charles Michel sarcastically congratulated Putin on his "landslide victory." Opponents of Putin, including Navalny's widow, are encouraging protests on the final day of voting as a form of opposition.

Moscow has threatened to punish those involved in "mass events" following Ukrainian attacks and cross-border raids.

Kyiv has carried out large-scale air attacks into Russian territory and pro-Kyiv guerilla fighters have launched raids.

In response, Russian-installed officials in Donetsk reported three children killed by shelling, while Kyiv blamed a Russian drone strike for two deaths in the Vinnytsia region.

Voters in Belgorod were evacuated from a polling station due to an air alert and bomb threat.

Russia's defense ministry accused Ukraine of launching seven rockets at Russian territory in the Belgorod region.

Pro-Ukrainian militias had reportedly taken control of Russian territory in three days of cross-border raids.

The Russian military responded by regaining control of one settlement with artillery, air strikes, and guided bombs.

Moscow acknowledged the militias' temporary control but did not confirm any Russian casualties.