U.S. experts not ruling out Russian military aggression during Ukraine elections

"Open military aggression by the Kremlin targeting the election process is unlikely but must be anticipated," the report reads.

According to experts, open military aggression may include the additional concentration of conventional forces on Ukraine's border, interference with Ukrainian shipping, increased firing across the line of contact, or the launch of an entirely new offensive by Russian forces or their proxies.

According to analysts, Moscow could justify expanded military operations by claiming a need to protect ethnic or religious minorities.

The report notes that "overt Russian aggression would also strengthen anti-Russian sentiments in the rest of Ukraine, lower the electoral chances of those open to engagement with Russia, and trigger additional international condemnation and sanctions against Russia."

The United States Institute of Peace is an independent institution devoted to the nonviolent prevention and mitigation of deadly conflict abroad.