Putin says Ukraine will be punished for election day attacks on civilians
President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine would face consequences for attempting to disrupt the Russian presidential election by shelling civilian areas in Russia and using 2,500 armed soldiers to breach Russia’s borders. He mentioned that these actions were aimed at intimidating voters, especially in border regions. Despite Russia’s air defenses shooting down 95% of the incoming shells and missiles, some managed to cause civilian casualties. Putin reported four attacks on the Belgorod region and one on the Kursk region by Ukrainian forces, which included 35 tanks and 40 armored vehicles. He claimed that approximately 60% of these forces were eliminated, and half of their armored vehicles were destroyed.