MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. More than 130 people were either killed or wounded as a result of Ukraine’s shelling attacks in border territories during the election week, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik said.

"According to our data, the past week’s casualties exceeded 130 people. They were wounded, many were killed, including children," he said in an interview with the Soloviov Live television channel, adding that the severest attacks were staged on the Belgorod Region.

According to the diplomat, "this was a cynical and tough attack by the West" meant to intimidate Russian citizens and "influence the election results." "We will advance quite tough claims. This is a cause for further investigation to uncover and expose those responsible," he said.

He recalled that a number of countries refused to recognize Russia’s presidential election, but what matters most, in his words, is recognition by the Russian people. "Russia cares little about the collective West’s opinion and its people simply came [to polling stations] and voted," he added.