Putin’s victory in Russian election sparks tension and faces serious opposition from the Russian people. Vladimir Putin’s re-election for another six-year term as Russian president seemed inevitable, with exit polls projecting his victory with 87 percent of the vote. This would make him the longest-serving Russian leader in over 200 years. The absence of major opponents, due to deaths, imprisonments, or exile, ensured Putin’s dominance, amid a crackdown on dissenting voices. The election coincided with a surge in Ukrainian bombardments and incursions into Russian territory, further heightening tensions.
The Kremlin framed the election as a referendum on supporting the military operation in Ukraine. However, Kyiv denounced the vote as a sham, with President Volodymyr Zelensky labeling Putin a “dictator drunk from power.” Meanwhile, allies of the late Alexei Navalny urged voters to protest by spoiling their ballots, mobilizing a “Midday Against Putin” movement. Despite warnings from authorities, some voters in Moscow expressed opposition to Putin’s regime.
Leonid Volkov, a senior aide to Navalny, dismissed the election results, questioning their validity. Acts of protest emerged during the polling period, resulting in arrests across Russia. The climate of dissent intensified following the start of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, leading to harsh crackdowns on public dissent. Nevertheless, Navalny’s legacy persisted, with supporters paying tribute at his grave and symbolically endorsing him on ballot papers.
The election took place amid heightened security measures and ongoing military confrontations with Ukraine. Deadly border attacks added to the tension, with casualties reported in Russian cities and Ukrainian-controlled territories. Despite the challenges, Putin’s grip on power seemed unshaken, positioning him to extend his rule until at least 2030.
Putin addressed the nation before the election, acknowledging Russia’s “difficult period” and calling for unity. A concert commemorating the annexation of Crimea was scheduled, serving as both a symbolic victory celebration and a testament to Putin’s enduring authority.
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