Russia threatens Kyiv with 'intense' strikes after drone attacks on election day

On Sunday, Moscow warned of "intensifying" its strikes on Kyiv in response to drone attacks launched by Ukraine on the day of Russia's parliamentary elections.

In a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense: "In response to Kyiv regime attacks on civilian targets on Russian territory, the Russian Armed Forces will continue intensifying their strikes using precision weapons against military targets in Kyiv," accusing Ukraine of seeking to "undermine the democratic expression of the will of Russian citizens."

On Sunday, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said via Telegram that Russian air defenses had shot down over 1,600 drones since Saturday, including "450 headed toward Moscow," adding: "It is clear that this unprecedented attack aims to disrupt the elections. The enemy failed to achieve its goal," according to his wording.

The ruling United Russia party, supportive of President Vladimir Putin's policies, has won every parliamentary election since 2003.