Russia has reported cyberattacks targeting its online voting system and communications networks as the country holds parliamentary elections, while US President Donald Trump has signed a major sanctions bill aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
Russian authorities said the attacks occurred on Saturday, the second day of the three-day parliamentary vote. Officials in Moscow said an overnight cyberattack against the electronic voting system had been repelled, while Russia’s digital ministry reported that an attempt to disrupt communications infrastructure in the Far East had also been stopped.
President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere with the election, although Russian authorities did not publicly provide evidence linking Kyiv to the reported attacks. Ukraine has not been established as responsible for the incidents.
The parliamentary election, running from September 18 to 20, is the first nationwide vote of its kind in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The election is taking place amid continued fighting and growing international pressure on Moscow.
Meanwhile, Trump signed legislation on Friday imposing a new framework of sanctions targeting Russia. The law gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that import significant amounts of Russian oil or natural gas, alongside measures targeting Russian officials, financial institutions and vessels involved in energy exports.
The legislation passed the US Senate by 86 votes to 11 and the House of Representatives by 262 to 159. The measure received bipartisan support, although some lawmakers raised concerns about the potential economic consequences of expanded tariff powers.
The new sanctions are designed to increase pressure on Russia's economy and reduce the revenue Moscow receives from energy exports. The legislation also targets what US authorities describe as Russia's shadow tanker fleet, which has been used to transport Russian energy products.
The developments come as Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, with both sides reporting drone and missile attacks. Russia has also accused Ukraine of targeting infrastructure inside Russian territory, while Kyiv has repeatedly said it is responding to Russian attacks and seeking to weaken Moscow's ability to sustain the war.
The reported cyberattacks and new US sanctions add another layer to the broader confrontation between Russia and Western countries. While the election is taking place under heightened security conditions, the sanctions legislation signals Washington's continued use of economic measures as part of its response to the conflict.