"Cross-Border Raids and Escalating Attacks: Putin's Challenge in Russian Border Regions"

Pro-Ukrainian paramilitary groups, made up of Russian rebel fighters, have launched cross-border attacks into southern Russia ahead of the presidential election, aiming to disrupt the election and demonstrate opposition to Putin. The attacks, which Putin blamed on Ukraine, have resulted in casualties and have been accompanied by Ukrainian drone strikes and shelling. While unlikely to significantly impact the election or the war in Ukraine, the attacks serve to embarrass Putin and remind Russians of the ongoing war's impact.