Putin Secures Record Election Win Amidst Claims of Free and Fair Vote

On Sunday, President Vladimir Putin won a record post-Soviet landslide in Russia's election, further solidifying his hold on power. The election results indicated that Putin, a former KGB lieutenant colonel, will secure a new six-year term, surpassing Josef Stalin and becoming Russia's longest-serving leader in more than 200 years.

Opposition Protests and U.S. Response

Despite Putin's victory, thousands of opponents staged a protest at polling stations, and the United States declared the vote as neither free nor fair. The White House's National Security Council spokesperson criticized the election, citing Putin's imprisonment of political opponents and prevention of others from running against him.

High Percentage Victory

According to an exit poll by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), Putin won with 87.8% of the vote, the highest result in Russia's post-Soviet history. Another poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) put Putin at 87%, and the official results confirmed the accuracy of the polls.

War and Election

The election comes just over two years since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, triggering the deadliest European conflict since World War Two. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia continued during the election, with Ukraine carrying out attacks on Russian territories and seeking to pierce Russian borders with proxy forces.

Protests and Arrests

Supporters of Putin's opponent, Alexei Navalny, organized protests against Putin, showing their dissent against the current leader. The opposition demonstrations were held under tight security involving tens of thousands of police and security officials. At least 74 people were arrested, and there were scattered incidents of protest, including the destruction of voting booths and ballot boxes.

International Stance and Geopolitical Implications

The West has condemned Putin's leadership, labeling him as an autocrat and a killer. President Joe Biden referred to him as a "crazy SOB," and the International Criminal Court in the Hague has indicted him for alleged war crimes. The election is seen as a crucial moment for the Ukraine war and the wider geopolitical landscape, with Putin aiming to imprint his worldview on the Russian political establishment.

Ukraine and Western Response

The election has significant implications for the Ukraine war and the global balance between democracies and autocracies. The West's support for Ukraine is entwined with domestic politics, and there are concerns about Russia's continued influence in the region. The Biden administration fears that Putin's victory could embolden China and result in further aggression in Ukraine, which could have broader implications for the West.

Crimea and International Disputes

Amidst the election, voting also took place in Crimea, an area that Moscow took from Ukraine in 2014, as well as in four other Ukrainian regions. However, Kyiv regards the election in the occupied territory as illegal and void, adding to the international disputes surrounding the region.