Ukrainian hackers have apparently attacked Russia’s computer voting system. The service was no longer available. Putin’s United Russia party also reported an attack.
“The website of the Russian authorities crashed. The electoral system has crashed,” intelligence sources in Kiev told Ukrinform news agency on Saturday. Secret Service hackers could have bypassed all security systems. “This will now continue until the end of voting.”
In addition, attacks were carried out on the presence of the Kremlin United Russia party, the Ukrainian intelligence official said. The Russian ruling party, once friendly with the FPÖ, had previously reported a hacker attack. Accordingly, United Russia’s online presence was crippled by a “denial of service” attack. All non-essential services have been suspended.
Putin wants to strengthen his power
The elections entered the second of three voting days on Saturday. It had already started on Friday, in what was seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to force its superiors to vote on weekdays. Electronic voting, which was possible for the first time, was also seen as a gateway to manipulation. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin also cast his vote via computer from his office.
After nearly a quarter of a century in power, Putin wants to use the vote to secure a fifth term in office for the next six years. According to election management, more than 100 million people in the largest country in the world are being called on to cast their votes. Voting is open in eleven time zones until 7:00 PM CET on Sunday evening.
The opposition is excluded from the elections and the three other approved candidates are politically aligned with the Kremlin. Nevertheless, Russian authorities are nervously watching how two years of war of aggression against Ukraine and domestic repression will affect Putin’s approval.
The Kremlin wants a high turnout in the elections
According to reports, there is particular pressure on civil servants and other voters who rely on government money to increase participation. On the first day of voting on Friday, protesters poured paint into ballot boxes in several places in an attempt to invalidate the ballots cast.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
