Sochi: Russia Closes Polling Stations Over Ukrainian Drone Attack Threat

Voting in Russia’s parliamentary elections in the Black Sea city of Sochi was suspended on September 18, after polling stations were closed due to the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks, local authorities announced.

Mayor Andrey Propushin said “exhaustive security measures” had been taken and that election commission members, observers and voters were moved to shelters until the threat is lifted.

On September 18, Russia began three-day elections for the 450-member State Duma — the first since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Voting is also taking place for 11 regional governors and 39 regional parliaments.

The ruling United Russia party of President Vladimir Putin is expected to retain control of parliament, according to observers.

Ukraine’s campaign of drone strikes deep inside Russian territory has expanded significantly over the past 12 months. Coastal cities such as Novorossiysk and Tuapse, with military and oil-export infrastructure, are frequently hit by Ukrainian attacks.

According to the Financial Times, Putin himself canceled a planned visit to Sochi for the Valdai discussion club, after the city was targeted by a massive drone attack on September 9.

Source: The Kyiv Independent