Putin secures presidency again amid widespread election criticisms
The TASS agency reported the first results of the presidential election in Russia. There's no doubt - Vladimir Putin has once again proven to be the leader. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on these results. - Putin will do everything to rule forever - he stated. The West questions the integrity of the election. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a special statement on this matter.
- Vladimir Putin has enough power and will do everything to rule forever. There is no evil he wouldn't commit to extend his personal power. There is no one in the world who would be safe from this – stated the President of Ukraine in his daily video message published on social media.
- There can and must not be legitimization of sham elections. This person should stand trial in The Hague. This is what we must ensure - added the president.
As reported by the TASS agency in the exit poll results, Vladimir Putin won the presidential election securing over 87 percent of the votes. None of his opponents gained more than 4 percent of the votes.
The West questions the fairness of the elections
The West has doubts about the fairness of the elections conducted in Russia. A statement on this matter was also released by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "From March 15 to 17, so-called presidential elections took place in Russia; the voting occurred under extreme repression against society, preventing a free, democratic choice" - reads the communiqué of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "These elections cannot be recognized as legal, free, or fair" - emphasized in the communiqué.
Protests and arrests
During the three days of the presidential elections in Russia, especially during the Sunday action "Noon Against Putin", at least 80 people were arrested across 17 Russian cities - reported the independent human rights organization OVD-Info on Sunday afternoon.
Throughout the voting period, numerous disturbances occurred. Incidents included setting fire to ballots, attacking election premises, throwing petrol bombs, or pouring ink into ballot boxes. The voting was also conducted in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, sparking outrage in the West.
