Ukraine latest: Polls set close in Russian election amid claims of interference

Russia’s parliamentary election closed Sunday, marking the first State Duma vote since the February 2022 invasion. The Central Election Commission reported a 44.5% turnout. Analysts expect the ruling United Russia party to retain its dominance in the tightly controlled political system.

Authorities said the online voting system in Moscow faced a strong attack overnight, but the situation was under control and all attacks were repelled. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that more than 1,600 drones had been downed since Saturday, including 450 aimed at the capital. Drones struck an oil refinery and an apartment building, killing two people. Governor Andrei Vorobyov said 400 residents, including 70 children, were evacuated from a 21‑storey block in the Ramenskoye district, and several homes were damaged.

Kyiv has declared the vote illegal in occupied territories and urged foreign governments not to recognize it. A coalition of nine Ukrainian human‑rights groups called on residents to stay away from the polls, arguing that the elections are a means to legitimize Russian occupation. The European Commission stated that the elections in temporarily occupied regions violate international law and would not be recognized.

Meanwhile, Kyiv deployed an advanced interceptor drone capable of shooting down Russia’s jet‑powered Shahed drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky shared footage of the drone tracking a Shahed before it exploded on impact, which he described as a successful interception.

A United Nations report released on Friday documented 1,004 verified cases of conflict‑related sexual violence between February 2022 and July 2026. Ninety‑nine percent of the cases were attributed to Russian forces, while 11 percent were linked to Ukrainian forces. The report highlighted the lack of investigation and prosecution by Russian authorities.

Turkey has sent proposals to Ukraine and Russia to end Black Sea attacks and ensure grain exports, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The Turkish government is awaiting responses from both sides while pursuing diplomatic initiatives to end the broader conflict.