Following a landslide victory in Russia’s presidential election, Vladimir Putin declared that Russia would not be intimidated, despite facing international criticism and accusations of election irregularities. Putin’s win secures his position as the longest-serving Russian leader in over two centuries, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
At a news conference in Moscow, Putin expressed gratitude to the citizens for their support, emphasizing resilience in the face of intimidation. He asserted, “No matter who or how much they want to intimidate us, our will, our consciousness—no one has ever succeeded in anything like this in history.”
With over 99 percent of voting stations reporting, Putin secured a staggering 87 percent of all votes cast, setting a record in a presidential election devoid of genuine competition. However, the election process was marred by controversy, with major opponents either eliminated or silenced through imprisonment, exile, or death.
The Kremlin portrayed the election as a referendum on Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, urging citizens to support the ongoing conflict. Despite international condemnation, Putin lauded Russian troops fighting in Ukraine and asserted dominance on the battlefield, dismissing Ukraine’s significant aerial attacks and armed raids on Russian border villages.
However, critics denounced the election as a sham, with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine condemning Putin as a “dictator” drunk on power. European Union chief Charles Michel sarcastically congratulated Putin on his “landslide victory,” while the United States criticized the election held in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.
The passing of prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who died in custody, cast a shadow over the election. Navalny’s supporters attempted to disrupt the vote by urging voters to spoil their ballots, honoring his memory and protesting against Putin’s rule.
In response to the protests, Putin warned that those who spoiled their ballots would face consequences, signaling a crackdown on dissent. Despite the challenges, Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, and other supporters defiantly participated in the election, symbolizing resistance against authoritarianism.
The election period witnessed numerous acts of protest, resulting in arrests across Russia. The authorities’ heavy-handed response underscores the government’s intolerance towards dissent, especially amid the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.