Acts of sabotage at polling stations on the first day of voting in the Russian elections

The first day of the Russian elections is Friday It was characterized by acts of vandalism At the polling stations, as well as the Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod.

Russian authorities accused Ukraine of attacking the Russian city of Belgorod just hours before the start of the Russian presidential elections. The governor of the Belgorod region, a region bordering Ukraine, stated on his channel on the Telegram application that One person died Two people were injured in the attack.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it shot down the plane Ten RM-70 Vampire missiles in the area on Friday. There is no independent confirmation of the Russian claims.

But the first day of voting in the election was also notable, according to Russia's Central Election Commission Some cases of vandalism In electoral colleges.

Most of them were people Pour the colored liquid into jars Transparent is an apparent tribute to the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was attacked in 2017 by an attacker who doused him.

Meanwhile, photos published by the Associated Press news agency showed some residents of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol, “Vote” in this election.

Illegal “voting” in the occupied territories

This is the first time that residents of this city “voted” in the Russian presidential elections after the elections Illegal referendums organized by Moscow In four Ukrainian regions.

And some of them, like Zaporizhia, are just them Partially occupied By authorities appointed by the Kremlin.

Moscow wants to avoid abstaining from voting in the elections to give the appearance of legitimacy in the occupied territories. In some cities there are so-called “mobile voting committees”, Accompanied by armed menwho demand door-to-door voting from every neighbor.

The Ukrainian authorities have made it clear: to citizens who have to vote Under the threat of the weaponThere will be no legal consequences.

An investigation conducted by the Associated Press concluded that Russia imposed itself in these areas Through pressure and violenceMany of them ended up fighting against Ukraine.

Putin has no real competition

In addition to Vladimir Putin. There are three other Russian candidatesBut in reality, the Russian president has no real competition. Therefore, no surprises are expected in these elections.

“I will vote for Vladimir Putin, of course, there is no doubt. When you look at all this, you understand that There is still a lot to do. Who will lead us? “Only him,” said a Russian man on the street.

Another man on the street said: “I will vote for Putin.” “Who can you vote for? There are no alternatives“he added.

The real opposition He was excluded from this voteWhich means that many Russians do not feel represented. Especially those who pinned their hopes on Alexei Navalny, who died in a Russian prison. Many continue to go to the cemetery where their remains are located.

“It's a 100% unfair election.. But it's better to do something and vote than to stay at home and think about the point of it. “We all know who will remain in power,” said a Russian woman on the street.

The Russian election marathon, which lasts three days Ends on Sunday.