These attacks occurred on Saturday, the second day of critical presidential elections aiming to solidify President Vladimir Putin's hardline rule.

The ongoing voting process has been marred by an escalation in fatal Ukrainian aerial assaults and a series of pro-Ukrainian sabotage incursions into Russian territory. As a direct consequence of these fresh bombardments, authorities have been forced to take action by closing schools and shopping centers in the Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine. The closures undermine the Kremlin's efforts to isolate Russians from the two-year conflict with Kyiv.

President Putin, who cast his vote online, has promised a forceful response to these assaults and accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt his bid for another six-year mandate. The governor of the Belgorod region reported that air defense systems successfully intercepted and downed eight Ukrainian missiles. However, tragically, two residents lost their lives and several others were injured in the attacks. Additionally, a woman was killed in a parking lot while feeding dogs, with medics now fighting for her son's life.

In response to the escalating situation, authorities have announced the temporary closure of schools and shopping centers in the city of Belgorod and some surrounding districts. This marks the second time this month that such measures have been taken due to heightened security concerns.

Russia's Defense Ministry affirmed that rockets, missiles, and drones had been successfully intercepted and downed in the border regions of Belgorod and Kursk, which have experienced an increase in fatal attacks in recent weeks. The Ministry also noted that Russian forces have repelled additional attempted infiltrations by "Ukrainian militant sabotage and reconnaissance groups."

In the occupied Kherson region of southern Ukraine, Kremlin proxy officials disclosed that one person was killed and four were wounded in a drone attack. These border attacks have become a significant concern for voters residing hundreds of kilometers away in Sergiev Posad, a town outside Moscow, famous for its ornate Orthodox monastery with golden onion domes.

Despite the challenges and security threats, Russian citizens have shown their determination to participate in the elections. Inessa Rozhkova, an 87-year-old voter, expressed her hope that the polls would contribute to ending the conflict with Ukraine. Another voter, Elena Kirsanova, emphasized that the attempts to intimidate the Russian people would not succeed, reaffirming her support for President Putin.

As the longest-serving Russian leader since Catherine the Great, President Putin faces no genuine competition in the election, having barred two candidates who opposed the conflict in Ukraine. Tragically, his main opponent, Alexei Navalny, died under mysterious circumstances while in an Arctic prison about a month ago.

The Kremlin has presented this election as an opportunity for Russians to demonstrate their support for Moscow's full-scale military campaign in Ukraine, where voting is also being held in the occupied territories. Sadly, the first day of voting was marred by acts of vandalism and arrests of individuals accused of tampering with ballot boxes or engaging in arson attacks at polling stations.

Furthermore, a hacking attack targeted the ruling United Russia party, which staunchly backs President Putin. Additionally, the FSB security service announced a series of arrests of Russians suspected of aiding Ukrainian forces or planning sabotage activities at military and transport facilities.

Notably, Ukrainian attacks on Russia have extended beyond border regions, with Kyiv's forces targeting oil facilities deep inside Russian territory over recent weeks. In the Samara region, located around 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the front lines, Ukrainian drones have targeted two oil refineries, resulting in a devastating blaze in one of them. A defense source in Kyiv revealed that this attack was part of a strategic effort to disrupt Russia's economic potential.

The situation remains tense as Russia grapples with ongoing attacks and the critical presidential elections continue. The international community closely watches these developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.