Putin's victory and Crimea anniversary celebrated amid controversy
Approximately 80,000 Russians gathered in Red Square in Moscow, celebrating not just the victory of Putin in the controversial presidential elections in Russia but also marking the 10th anniversary of Crimea's annexation. The dictator's speech was filled with provocative statements.
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The Russian dictator took the stage at Red Square, beginning his speech by "congratulating" the residents of Sevastopol and Crimea on their "unification with Russia." In an illegal move in 2014, Putin annexed Crimea. The dictator was unable to accept that the Ukrainians, during the Revolution of Dignity, expelled Putin's puppet, Viktor Yanukovych, who had refused to sign an association agreement with the European Union, making every effort to alienate Ukraine from the West.
The dictator declared that Russia "will act in unity with the new regions".
"The journey of new regions towards the motherland was difficult and tragic, but we succeeded," he stated. He pledged to continue building the railway line from Rostov-on-Don to the occupied Donetsk and Mariupol in Ukraine, presenting Crimea as a "strategic territory" and a source of pride for Russia.
"Propaganda machine in operation"
Michał Marek, an expert on Russian propaganda, remarked on the events in Moscow, stating: "A significant 'festival' is inflating national pride in the leader and the people's decisions. The propaganda machine's efforts to instil the need for further conquests and to exploit neighbouring nations are ongoing..." as per a post on platform X.
Russians herded to Red Square
Independent media reported that many Russians were transported to Red Square before the concert's commencement, effectively serving as extras. "This morning, they were given badges, then merged with the waiting crowd, which was then led in a column towards the stage," writes SOTA.
According to Astra, attendees "are required to provide photographic evidence of their attendance at the square, consequently, they are not permitted to leave." They were also given specific instructions to verify their presence via geolocation.
Witnesses reported seeing dozens of buses and police vans transporting people to the square.
The Central Election Commission announced that after tallying 100% of the votes, Vladimir Putin secured 87.28% of the votes in the "presidential elections", with a voter turnout of 77.44%. Democratic countries have declared they will neither congratulate the dictator nor acknowledge the legitimacy of these election results.
