Russia preparing bloody terrorist attacks during election period - what intelligence has uncovered

Ukrainian intelligence has warned that Russia is preparing terrorist attacks in occupied territories during the sham elections of September 18–20, 2026. The goal is to blame Kyiv, intensify repression, and justify the escalation of war. Possible scenarios include explosions near polling stations, attacks on transport, and assassinations of collaborators.

Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service has warned that Russia is preparing provocations and terrorist attacks in temporarily occupied territories during the illegal elections to the Russian State Duma on September 18–20, 2026. According to intelligence, the Kremlin plans to orchestrate high-profile incidents under the guise of Ukrainian actions, aiming to blame Kyiv, increase pressure on the local population, and justify further escalation of the war, including a possible new mobilization. Possible scenarios include explosions near polling stations during times of minimal crowds, sabotage against transport carrying election commission members, and assassinations of collaborators. The intelligence service urged residents of occupied territories to avoid crowded places from September 17 to 21. Intelligence notes that such methods are not new, citing the 1999 apartment bombings, Nord-Ost, and Beslan. The article relies entirely on Ukrainian statements without independent verification or comments from other sources.