Russian border region hit with missiles on 1st day of elections

The Russian border with Ukraine around the city of Belgorod came under fire again on Friday, the first day of the country’s much-criticised elections, injuring two people, according to official reports.

Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov announced the attack on Telegram.

The Russian Defence Ministry said seven Ukrainian missiles were fired over Belgorod.

This could not initially be independently verified.

People had to leave polling stations to seek shelter, the Russian state news agency Ria Novosti reported.

The ballot, which is intended to give Russian President Vladimir Putin his fifth term in office, is scheduled to run for three days until Sunday evening.

Moscow blamed the shelling on Ukraine.

Putin started a war against the neighbouring country more than two years ago.

However, paramilitary organisations often appear to be behind the attacks.

These forces fight for Ukraine but consist mainly of Russian nationalists.

The organisations, which have names like Russian Volunteer Corps, have reportedly already fought battles with the Russian army in the border region in recent days and have now announced further attacks on social media.