Putin comments on election interference
Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine is attacking civilian residential areas to influence the presidential election in Russia and that they will not leave this unpunished.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin held an online meeting with members of the Russian Security Council.
The meeting was attended by government members, including Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov, and Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergey Naryshkin.
"PLANNED ARMED ACTIONS"
In his speech during the public portion of the meeting, Putin noted that the presidential election in Russia began today, stating, "The neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv has planned and is attempting to carry out a series of criminal armed actions to disrupt the voting process and intimidate people. They are launching attacks on civilian-populated areas on Russian territory."
"ENEMY ATTACKS WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED"
Explaining that 95 percent of the missiles and shells fired by Ukraine have been destroyed by Russian air defense systems, Putin said, "However, unfortunately, we are also suffering civilian casualties. All necessary help and support will certainly be provided to their families. These enemy attacks do not go unpunished and will not go unpunished."
Putin stated that Ukrainian special forces, with the help of foreign mercenaries, have also attempted to infiltrate Russian territory, adding, "A series of terrorist attacks were carried out with the aim of entering and establishing a presence on Russian territory. Four were conducted in the direction of Belgorod and one in the direction of Kursk. The enemy used over 2,500 personnel, 35 tanks, and nearly 40 armored combat vehicles, and failed in every direction."
Pointing out that Ukrainian forces were forced to retreat after suffering heavy losses, Putin reiterated his view that these attempts were aimed at preventing the presidential election in Russia.
"IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN"
Stating that the Russian people will respond to these attacks with unity, Putin said, "Who did they decide to intimidate? The Russian people? The multinational people of Russia? This has never happened, and I am sure it never will."