Russia attacked amid protests as Putin claims election victory

UKRAINE launched a massive wave of drone attacks as Russians cast ballots on the final day of a presidential vote set to extend Vladimir Putin's rule for six years.

- Mark Reynolds

It came as Kremlin authorities arrested 74 protesters in various cities who joined the "Noon against Putin" demo which asked people to go to polls at midday. Protests were also held in cities across Europe.

Last night Putin claimed victory after Russia released early returns showing he had nearly 88% of votes. In a victory speech he said Russia should be "stronger and more effective".

He added: "No one will ever suppress Russia when we are consolidated."

Lord Cameron said on X, formerly Twitter: "This is not what free and fair elections look like."

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky said Putin "has become sick with power and will stop at nothing to rule forever".

The Russian Defence Ministry reported downing 35 Ukrainian drones on Saturday night, including four in the Moscow region.

Targeted