Russians vote on final day of parliamentary elections as Moscow faces major attack

Moscow’s residents went to the polls on Tuesday amid heightened security concerns after the city was struck by what the regional governor called the “largest‑scale attack” on the capital since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The vote, a nationwide parliamentary election that determines the composition of the State Duma, proceeded as scheduled despite the overnight missile barrage that damaged several residential blocks, a power substation and a major transportation hub. Emergency services reported dozens of injuries and several fatalities, while authorities imposed a temporary curfew and deployed additional police units to polling stations to ensure voter safety and maintain order.

The attack, which officials said involved a coordinated salvo of cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, marks the most extensive strike on Moscow since the conflict’s outset and has prompted renewed calls for heightened air‑defence measures. Government spokespeople emphasized that the election would serve as a “demonstration of national resilience,” urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights despite the threat. International observers noted the juxtaposition of a major electoral process with a significant security incident, highlighting the broader implications for Russia’s domestic stability and its ongoing war effort. The vote concluded without major disruptions, and preliminary results are expected to be announced later this week.