Russia Reports Cyberattacks on Voting Systems as Parliamentary Polls Continue

Russian authorities reported a series of attacks on voting systems and communication lines across the country on Saturday, the second day of a three-day parliamentary election that began on September 18.

The head of the Central Election Commission, Ella Pamfilova, said Moscow's online voting system came under a strong overnight attack. The situation remained under control, she said, adding that the assaults were continuing but were being successfully repelled.

Separately, the digital ministry said it had registered a sabotage attempt on communication lines in the Far East. According to state media, the attempt was thwarted and all communication was restored.

Russians began casting ballots on Friday in the election, which runs through September 20. President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of trying to interfere in the vote, without providing evidence.

The outcome is widely expected to be presented by the Kremlin as proof of broad public backing for Putin's policies, particularly his conduct of the conflict in Ukraine — now in its fifth year and described as Europe's deadliest since World War Two. Most anti-war candidates have been barred from taking part.